(1) The board of county commissioners may by resolution appoint a study commission, comprised of not less than five (5) nor more than nine (9) members, to study the existing form of county government, compare it to other optional forms and submit a report and any recommendations for change to the board.
(2) The board of county commissioners shall appoint a study commission upon the submission to it of a petition to appoint a study commission signed by petitioners equal in number to fifteen percent (15%) of the qualified electors voting in the county in the last general election.
(3) The resolution or petition shall state the number of commissioners to be appointed.