(1) The general manager shall be the chief executive officer of the district. He shall be chosen by the board of directors solely on the basis of his executive and administrative qualifications and need not, when appointed, be a resident of the state. All other things being equal, the board of directors shall appoint as general manager a person with experience in the construction, operation or management of public utilities. In case of the absence or disability of the manager, the board may designate some qualified person to perform the duties of the office during such absence or disability.

(2) The general manager shall have full charge and control of the construction of the works of said district and of their maintenance and operation, and of the administration of the business affairs of said district. The powers and duties of the general manager shall be:

(a) To see that all resolutions, rules and regulations of the district are enforced;

(b) To appoint or hire, except as otherwise provided in this article, all heads of departments, subordinate officials and employees necessary for the administration of the affairs of said district, and to remove the same;

(c) To attend to all meetings of the board of directors (but not to vote) and submit a general report of the affairs of the district, and to participate in the discussion of all matters coming before the board;

(d) To keep the directors advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the district, and to prepare and submit an annual budget;

(e) To prepare or cause to be prepared, all plans and specifications for the construction of the works of said district;

(f) To perform such other and additional duties as the board of directors may require.

(3) The general manager shall within sixty (60) days from the end of each fiscal year cause to be published a financial report showing the result of operations for the preceding fiscal year and the financial status of the district on the last day thereof. Said publication shall be made at least three (3) times in newspapers of general circulation printed and published in the district, or, if there be no such newspaper in the district, then in some newspaper of general circulation within the district. So far as practical said publications shall be in different newspapers.