(1) In the case of petitions for discontinuance of part of a district, the department shall publish the result of the referendum and shall consider and determine whether the continued operation of a part of the district within the defined boundaries is administratively practicable and feasible.
(2) If the department determines that the continued operation of the district is not administratively practicable and feasible with a part of the district discontinued, it shall record that determination and deny the petition.
(3) If the department determines that the continued operation of the district is administratively practicable and feasible with a part of the district discontinued, it shall record that determination and shall certify the determination to the supervisors of the district.