A canvass and return of the votes cast in the county upon the question of the adoption of this chapter shall be made by the board of canvassers in the same manner as for officers voted at such election and as for other questions submitted on referendum. If a majority of the votes cast for or against the chapter are found to favor its adoption it shall then, but not otherwise, be deemed adopted in the county. When so adopted in a county the board of chosen freeholders thereof shall provide by resolution for its operation on January second next following the referendum.
N.J.S. § 44:4-135