(1) Subject to the specific provisions of subsections (2) and (3) of this section, elections shall be conducted as nearly as practicable in the manner provided for general elections.
(2) The regular service authority election in each service authority shall be held on the date determined for general elections.
(3) Any referral of a proposition to allow a service authority to assume exclusive jurisdiction over any service shall be voted upon only on the date determined for general elections.
(4) All necessary expenses of any service authority general election subsequent to the organization of the service authority and other proceedings conducted pursuant to said election shall be paid by the counties within the service authority in proportion to the population of the respective counties within the service authority, and the governing bodies thereof shall enact any necessary supplemental appropriations. When the board calls a special election after formation of the service authority to be held at a time other than the general election, all necessary expenses for the election and other proceedings conducted pursuant to such elections shall be paid by the service authority.