Board of commissioners; members; officers; employees

A. (1)(a) The district shall be governed by a board of commissioners consisting of seven voting members who shall be qualified voters and taxpayers within the limits of Winn Parish during their term of office. The members of the board of commissioners shall be appointed by the governing authority of Winn Parish and nominated as follows: (i) Three members shall be nominated by the Winn Parish Police Jury. (ii) Three members shall be nominated by the Winn Parish Chamber of Commerce. (iii) One member shall be nominated by the mayor of the city of Winnfield. (b) In the event that any nominee is not appointed by the governing authority of Winn Parish, the person or entity making such nomination shall continue to nominate persons until a nominee or nominees are approved by the governing authority of Winn Parish. (c) At the first meeting of the board, four of the initial members shall be selected by lot at the first meeting of the district to serve two-year terms and three to serve three-year terms. All successors shall be appointed to three-year terms. No member may be appointed to serve for more than two successive terms. (2) Any member whose term has expired and has not been replaced shall continue to serve until replaced. Any vacancy, which occurs prior to the expiration of the term for which a member of the board of commissioners has been appointed shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired term. B. The members of the board of commissioners shall not receive per diem or be paid a salary for serving on the board. C. Members of the board, individually, and members of their immediate family are prohibited from bidding on or entering into any contract, subcontract, or other transaction that is under the supervision or jurisdiction of the district. D. Elected officials are prohibited from serving on the board of commissioners. E. The board of commissioners shall elect from among its own members a president, a vice president, a secretary, and a treasurer, whose duties shall be those usual to such offices. At the option of the board of commissioners, the offices of secretary and treasurer may be held by one person. The board of commissioners may designate or select an executive director, who shall not be a member of the board of commissioners and who may be employed or serve at the will of the board of commissioners. F. Four members of the board of commissioners shall constitute a quorum provided that two of the members present are officers of the board of commissioners. G. The board of commissioners shall prescribe rules to govern its meetings. The board of commissioners may contract with and employ attorneys, clerks, engineers, deputy commissioners, a director, and other agents and employees and shall fix their compensation and terms of employment.