If the certificate required by section 18-04-02 is not filed with the office of management and budget and insurance commissioner on or before the thirty-first day of October, the city or rural fire department failing to file the same must be deemed to have waived and relinquished its right for such year to the benefits of this chapter. If, however, the city or rural fire department has filed its certificate for three successive years and has drawn money thereunder for such time, the certificate may be filed at any time up to and including March first of the succeeding year without waiving the right to the benefits provided in this chapter.
N.D.C.C. § 18-04-03