(a) Beginning with the term of office of any member of the county commission which commences on or after November 2000, the chair and each member of the county commission shall serve on a part-time basis and receive a salary as provided by Section 11-3-4.1, for serving on a part-time basis.

(b) The Clarke County Commission shall establish a centrally located shop and centralized road system for the operation of the county roads and bridges. The county commission may vote to establish more than one shop location when the county engineer recommends any additional location is needed to facilitate the economical use of equipment and funds. The county engineer shall at each September or earlier meeting of the county commission make recommendations for a yearly work plan and present an annual budget. Approval of plan shall require a minimum of four favorable votes. The commission at its regular meetings shall discuss needs as they arise and vote on all issues that might affect the county.

(c) The county commission may employ clerical help and assistance deemed necessary for the proper, efficient, and economical operation of the county commission. The chair of the commission shall enter the minutes of all proceedings of the county commission in a well-bound book provided for that purpose. The book shall be kept in the office of the county commission and shall be open to the inspection of the public at all reasonable hours. The chair shall keep a complete record of all receipts and disbursements of all county funds which shall be published once a year in a newspaper published in the county and shall be prepared upon request to show the financial condition of the county.

(d) Each member of the county commission shall inspect the roads and bridges of his or her district, from time to time, hear the suggestions and complaints of the citizens, and report the suggestion or complaint to the county commission with his or her recommendations. The members of the county commission shall also assist in securing right-of-way and assist in public relations generally. The members of the commission may use a county vehicle for the performance of their duties only on an as-needed basis or may receive mileage at the same rate paid state employees not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200) per month.