12-303. Name of city; election for change, when. The name of the city resulting from the consolidation shall be that of the city having the greatest number of inhabitants: Provided, That if the governing bodies of the consolidating cities agree on a name other than that of the largest city the name agreed upon shall be set out in the joint resolution authorized by subsection (a) of K.S.A. 12-302 and shall become the name of the city resulting from the consolidation unless a protest petition directed against the agreed name shall have been filed in the manner prescribed in subsection (a) of K.S.A. 12-302; and if such a protest petition against the agreed name is filed, then the question of the adoption of the agreed name shall be submitted to the voters of the city in like manner as prescribed by subsection (b) of K.S.A. 12-302: Provided further, That if the petition submitted pursuant to subsection (b) of K.S.A. 12-302 to the governing body of the city requesting consolidation, shall also request the name of the proposed consolidated city be submitted to the electors of such city, the question of the name of such city shall be submitted at the same time and in the same manner as the question of consolidation of such cities.

The governing bodies of each of said cities proposing to consolidate, in a joint meeting, shall determine the name or names to be placed on the ballot and not more than three (3) names may be submitted and the name receiving the greatest number of votes of the total vote cast on the question shall be the name approved for the consolidated city by the petitioning city. In adopting its resolution for consolidation of the petitioning city, the governing body shall state clearly therein the name approved by the petitioning city for such consolidated city. Upon receipt of such resolution the governing body of the other city or cities may, if the name approved by the petitioning city be other than the name of the largest city, submit the name of the proposed consolidated city approved by the petitioning city to the voters of the other city or cities for their approval or rejection at a special election called for such purpose. If a majority of those voting on such proposition shall vote in favor of the proposed change, the governing bodies of each of said cities shall proceed as provided in the act of which this act is amendatory.

History: L. 1887, ch. 112, § 4; R.S. 1923, § 12-303; L. 1955, ch. 76, § 1; L. 1959, ch. 67, § 3; March 18.