The county commissioners may, when they deem the welfare of their counties require it, or when petitioned thereto by a number of resident taxpayers of their respective counties equal to five percent (5%) of the number of persons voting for the secretary of state of the state of Idaho, at the election next preceding the date of such petition, submit to the qualified electors of said county at any election held as provided in section 34-106, Idaho Code, the proposition whether negotiable coupon bonds of the county to the amount stated in such proposition shall be issued and sold for the purpose of providing such hospital, hospital grounds, nurses’ homes, nursing homes, residential or assisted living facilities, shelter care facilities, medical clinics, superintendent’s quarters, or any other necessary buildings, and equipment, and may on their own initiative submit to the qualified electors of the county at any general election the proposition whether negotiable coupon bonds of the county to the amount stated in such proposition shall be issued and sold for the purpose of providing for the extension and enlargement of existing hospital, hospital grounds, nurses’ homes, nursing homes, residential or assisted living facilities, shelter care facilities, medical clinics or grounds, superintendent’s quarters, or any other necessary buildings, and equipment, and when authorized thereto by two-thirds (2/3) vote at such election, shall issue and sell such coupon bonds and use the proceeds therefrom for the purposes authorized by such election. Said proposition may be submitted to the qualified electors at an election held subject to the provisions of section 34-106, Idaho Code, if the county commissioners shall by resolution so determine. No person shall be qualified to vote at any election held under the provisions of this section unless he shall possess all the qualifications required of electors under the general laws of this state.
The county commissioners shall be governed in calling and holding such election and in the issuance and sale of such bonds, and in the providing for the payment of the principal and interest thereon by the provisions of chapter 19, title 31, Idaho Code, and by the provisions of chapter 2, title 57, Idaho Code; provided, however, that when such bonds have been issued and sold and a period of two (2) years or more has elapsed from the date of sale of said bonds and for any reason the proceeds from the sale of said bonds or other moneys appropriated for the purpose for which said bonds were issued, have not been used for the purpose for which they were appropriated or said bond issue made, the county commissioners may, with the written consent of all of the bondholders first having been obtained, submit to the qualified electors, as herein defined, the question of spending such moneys for a definite purpose. The purpose for which it is decided to spend such moneys shall be clearly and plainly stated on the ballot. If a majority of the qualified electors shall vote in favor of spending such moneys for the purpose stated, the county commissioners shall proceed in the same manner as if such different purpose had been the original purpose for such bond issue or appropriation. Provided, further that if less than a majority of the qualified electors shall vote in favor of spending such moneys for such different purpose, or if no such election should be had, when all of the bonds shall have been retired, such excess moneys shall be placed in the general fund.