Prior to the adoption of an ordinance petitioning the court for city status, the town council shall petition the court to order a referendum held within the town on the question of seeking city status. The provisions of § 24.2-684 shall govern the order for a referendum. The question on the ballot shall be: “Shall the Town of ____________________ seek to become a city? [ ] Yes [ ] No.” If a majority of the electorate voting in the referendum vote “No,” the town council shall not proceed in seeking city status. If a majority of the electorate voting in such referendum vote “Yes,” the town council shall proceed as provided in § 15.2-3800.