(a) The personnel program established by this part shall be administered by the board. The members of the five-member personnel appeals board, created pursuant to Act No. 2262, S. 1234, Regular Session 1971 (Acts 1971, p. 3643) and continued under Act No. 1049, S. 886, 1973 Regular Session (Acts 1973, p. 1663), shall be the first members of the personnel board created by this part and such members shall continue to hold office on the personnel board herein created until such time as their respective terms would have expired on the personnel appeals board according to the terms of Act No. 2262. Upon the expiration of the terms of each member, a successor shall be appointed by the original appointing authority for terms of six years each; and one member each shall hereafter continue to be appointed by the following: the Houston County Commission, the Sheriff of Houston County, the probate judge of the county, the Revenue Commissioner of Houston County, and by the county employees who are subject to this part.

(b) No person shall be appointed or elected to the personnel board or shall continue to be a member of a board created under this part unless he or she is of recognized good character and ability, and is an actual resident in and qualified elector of the county. No person shall be eligible for appointment or shall continue to be a member of a board created under this part who holds an elective office under the state, county, or any municipality therein, or who is a candidate for elective office. Vacancies on the board shall be filled for the unexpired terms in the same manner as original appointments are made. The board shall elect a chair from among its members, who shall preside at its meetings. Three members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business which may properly come before the board. Each person so appointed shall, within 15 days after appointment, qualify by making oath that he or she will faithfully execute the duties of the office to the best of his or her ability and knowledge which oath shall be recorded as provided by law. The board shall adopt reasonable rules regulating the procedure of the board. Notice of all meetings of the board shall be given to each member by the clerk of the board.