(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a certification election ordered under § 142.103(a)(3) to determine whether a firefighters association represents a majority of the covered firefighters shall be conducted according to procedures agreeable to the parties.
(b) If the parties are unable to agree on procedures for the certification election, either party may request the American Arbitration Association to conduct the election and to certify the results of the election.

(c) Certification of the results of an election under this section resolves the question concerning representation.
(d) The association is liable for the expenses of the certification election, except that if two or more associations seeking recognition as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent submit a petition signed by at least 30 percent of the firefighters eligible to sign the petition for recognition, all the associations named in any petition shall share equally the costs of the election.