If a majority of the votes in a county are cast against a proposal for the establishment of a county college, the board of chosen freeholders of such county may not establish a county college unless thereafter the board:
a. Submits a petition to the Commission on Higher Education in accordance with the provisions of section 18A:64A-2, and
b. Submits a proposal for the establishment of a county college at a general election and has it approved by a majority of the votes of the county voting thereon.
The board of chosen freeholders shall not resubmit a proposal which has been defeated to the voters of the county before the third general election thereafter; however, an alternate proposal may be submitted at any general election.