(a)
Prior to the referendum vote conducted by the secretary pursuant to this article, the proponents of the commission shall deposit with the secretary the amount that the secretary deems necessary to defray the expenses of preparing the necessary lists and information and conducting the vote.
(b)
Any funds not used in carrying out this article shall be returned to the proponents of the commission who deposited the funds with the secretary.
(c)
Upon establishment of the commission, the commission may reimburse the proponents of the commission for any funds deposited with the secretary that were used in carrying out this article, and for
any legal expenses and costs incurred in establishing the commission.