In case the Council shall declare that it is expedient to construct, improve, enlarge, extend, or repair any public utility for the purpose of supplying sewer, light, heat, or electrical power, securing an adequate supply of water, or any other utility service, the cost of which must be met by bond issues or loans, then the Council shall have made and recorded in its proceedings an estimate of the expenses thereof. After an estimate has been obtained, the question of improving or extending the present plants or acquiring or constructing new plants, with the amount of the estimate plainly stated, shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the City, and if a majority of the qualified electors voting in the election approve the question, the City may proceed with the improvement, etc. If the cost of the improvement, etc. exceeds, or it can reasonably be determined after the improvement, etc. is started that it will exceed, the estimate of expenses, then, except as otherwise permitted by the Constitution or general laws of the State, the question of increasing the amount authorized for any such improvement, etc. shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the City at its next regular election or at a special election called for that purpose by the Council in the manner provided in this Charter. The question will have been carried if three-fifths (3/5) of the qualified electors voting in the election shall have voted in favor of the question.
The Council may authorize construction of any improvements and extensions to existing plants as the normal growth of the plants may require if the cost of such improvements and extensions can be met by the expenditure of any accumulated surplus. No extensions or improvements in excess of this amount shall be made except by reference to the electors as required by this Charter.