1. 1. When the petition for a proposed consolidation of municipalities originates from a group of citizens within a municipality to be included in the proposal, the petition shall be filed with the governing body of the municipality affected. The governing body of the municipality shall then have ninety days, from the filing of the petition, to study and investigate the proposal and endorse thereon their approval or disapproval. In either alternative, the governing body shall forward the petition with a certification of the municipality's clerk, stating the action taken by the governing body, to the county commission. The certification may, but shall not be required to, contain reasons for approval or disapproval of the petition, but whether approved or disapproved, the certification shall also contain the following information:

   1. (1) A statement that the names of signers fulfill statutory requirements as to number, residence and qualification to vote;
   2. (2) A statement as to the number and amounts of all bond issues in the municipality, and the amount owing upon each;
   3. (3) A copy of the last annual financial report required by statute to be published by the municipality;
   4. (4) A statement as to the current tax rate of the municipality;
   5. (5) A statement listing the locations of municipally owned real estate, indicating whether improved or unimproved.
2. 2. In the event that the governing body of the municipality shall not take action approving or disapproving the petition for consolidation within ninety days from receipt thereof, it shall be deemed rejected and the municipality's clerk shall within five days forward the petition to the county commission noting the fact in the certification.

(L. 1961 p. 193 § 72.158)