(a) If the petition to create a district proposes a district which would contain no more than 12,000 acres of land, and if at least 60 percent of the land is owned by persons who do not reside in the district, the petition may request that the directors be appointed by the commissioners court. If so, the directors shall be appointed instead of elected. The commissioners court shall appoint the directors at the time otherwise fixed for electing directors, or if the court is not in session at that time, it shall appoint the directors as soon as possible.
(b) The owners of land in the district may file petitions with the commissioners court expressing their choice of persons to be selected as directors. If the owners of at least 60 percent of the land agree on the persons to be appointed, the commissioners court shall appoint those persons. Otherwise, the court shall appoint suitable, qualified persons as directors.