Whenever the district acquires existing facilities from a publicly or privately owned utility, either in proceedings in eminent domain or otherwise, that has a pension plan in operation, members and beneficiaries of that pension plan shall continue to have the rights, privileges, benefits, obligations and status with respect to that established system. The outstanding obligations and liabilities of that public utility by reason of that pension plan shall be considered and taken into account and allowance made therefor in the purchase price of that public utility. The persons entitled to pension benefits as provided for in this section and the benefits which are provided shall be specified in the agreement or order by which any public utility is acquired by the district.