All proceedings heretofore taken by the governing boards of units of local government in connection with the authorization of bonds are hereby ratified, approved, confirmed and in all respects validated, notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 159-61(c); provided that the issuance of said bonds shall have been approved at an election by a majority of the qualified voters of the unit voting thereon and that notice of said referendum shall have been published.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 159-77