(a) If a consolidation of the offices of assessor and tax collector is deemed advisable in the formation of a district, the petitioners may request the consolidation in their petition. The board calling the election shall in its order therefor announce the consolidation, and at the election only one person shall be elected to fill the offices consolidated.
(b) If it is deemed advisable in the formation of a district that the offices of assessor and tax collector shall be filled by appointment, the petitioners may request the appointment of such officers in their petition. In such event, the assessor shall be appointed pursuant to the provisions of Section 34711.