(1) In making the determination, the department shall give due regard and weight to the attitudes of the qualified electors lying within the district, the number of qualified electors eligible to vote in the referendum who voted, the proportion of the votes cast in the referendum in favor of the discontinuance of the district or part of the district to the total number of votes cast, the approximate wealth and income of the qualified electors of the district, the probable expense of carrying on erosion control operations within the district, and such other economic and social factors as may be relevant to the determination, having due regard to the legislative findings set forth in 76-15-101 and 76-15-102.
(2) The department may not determine that the continued operation of the district or part of the district is administratively practicable and feasible unless at least a majority of the votes cast in the referendum are cast in favor of the continuance of the district or part of the district.