1. (a) If an ordinance is adopted under section 4 of this chapter, the county executive may determine the number of members to serve on the consolidated entity, which must be an odd number. All members appointed to the consolidated entity must reside in the county. The county executive shall determine:

   1. (1) the qualifications to be appointed to the consolidated entity, which may not include consideration of political party affiliation;

   2. (2) the term of a member, which may not exceed four (4) years, but may provide for:

      1. (A) the staggering of the terms of members initially appointed to the consolidated entity;
      2. (B) reappointment following the expiration of a member's term; and
      3. (C) the filling of vacancies if a vacancy occurs;
   3. (3) the grounds for removal;
   4. (4) the number of members required for a quorum; and

   5. (5) any other matters that the county executive determines reasonably relate to the composition of the consolidated entity.

      A member of the consolidated entity may not receive a salary or benefits. However, a member of the consolidated entity is entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of the member's respective duties.

2. (b) Each member of the consolidated entity, before entering the member's duties, shall take an oath of office in the usual form, to be endorsed upon the member's certificate of appointment and promptly filed with the clerk of the circuit court of the county.

As added by P.L.162-2026, SEC.16.