(1) The provisions of this article which become effective July 1, 1981, shall apply to all special districts existing on June 30, 1981, or organized thereafter; except that any such existing district need not obtain a name change to conform to this article and that any district may continue to operate for the purpose or purposes for which it was organized.
(2) Any proceedings for the organization of a special district which were commenced prior to July 1, 1981, may continue pursuant to the laws in effect at the time such organization was commenced until the district court has declared the district organized. Thereafter, the special district shall be subject to the provisions of this article. Any such organizational proceedings which are dismissed by the board of county commissioners or by the district court and which are recommenced after July 1, 1981, shall be governed by the provisions of this article.