If a majority of those voting in each county shall approve the question provided in § 7-7-1.6 at the special election, an officer shall be nominated and elected at the next general election to the combined office provided for in § 7-7-1.6. The officer shall be voted upon by the voters of the counties that have resolved to combine such office. Such officer shall hold office for a term of four years commencing on the first Monday of January following his election.
SDCL 7-7-1.7