1 (a) This section applies to a county having a population of more than three hundred fifty thousand (350,000) and less than four hundred thousand (400,000)

1. (b) This section is an alternative to section 12 of this chapter if the appointment of the governing board under section 12 of this chapter would exceed nine (9) members. The county legislative body may instead opt to appoint the governing board under this section.

2. (c) The board of trustees appointed under this section is composed of nine (9) members appointed as follows:

   1. (1) Six (6) trustees appointed by the county commissioners, with not more than two (2) appointments coming from each original fire protection district or fire protection territory.

   2. (2) Three (3) trustees appointed by the county council with not more than one (1) appointment coming from each original fire protection district or fire protection territory.

      The county commissioners shall select their initial six (6) appointments before July 1, 2026. The county council shall select their initial three

   3. (3) appointments after July 1, 2026, but before August 1, 2026. All future appointments shall be made by the county commissioners before the county council.

3. (d) The initial term of a trustee appointed under subsection (c) is as follows:

   1. (1) Two (2) county commissioner appointments and one (1) county council appointment for a term of one (1) year.
   2. (2) Two (2) county commissioner and one (1) county council appointment for a term of two (2) years.
   3. (3) Two (2) county commissioner appointments and one (1) county council appointment for a term of three (3) years.
4. (e) The terms expire on the first Monday of January of the year their appointments expire. As the terms expire, each new appointment is for a term of four (4) years.
5. (f) If a vacancy occurs on the board, the county legislative body shall appoint a trustee with the qualifications specified in section 12(b) of this chapter for the unexpired term. Members appointed must comply with section 12 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.157-2026, SEC.272.