(b) Expenditures of a county for safety net assistance pursuant to this section may be made from county social services funds appropriated or otherwise made available therefor and shall be subject to reimbursement by the state in accordance with and to the extent authorized by section one hundred fifty-three; and the local share of such expenditures shall become a charge on, and shall be reimbursed to the county by the city or town which was otherwise responsible for furnishing the safety net assistance for which the expenditure was made, provided the county commissioner shall give appropriate written notice thereof to the appropriate city or town public welfare officer within thirty days of the date the expenditure was made by the county and provided further that in the case of an appeal to the department that such appeal shall be decided in favor of the county. 7. (a) In the event of a vacancy in the office of county commissioner of social services the appointing authority may, subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this subdivision, appoint as acting commissioner of social services any employee of the county social services agency. Such appointment shall be for no longer than one year.

(b) Prior to filling a vacancy in the office of county commissioner of social services the appointing authority shall certify to the state commissioner of social services: (i) that there is an unavailability of qualified candidates; (ii) that the district is making continued efforts to recruit qualified candidates; (iii) that the appointment shall be effective only until a qualified person becomes available; and (iv) that a waiver by the appointing authority of any specific qualification required by section one hundred sixteen of this chapter shall not be effective without the consent of the state commissioner of social services.

(c) The acting commissioner may be paid compensation in addition to his normal salary during the period of time that he serves as acting commissioner.

(d) The acting commissioner shall have the same power as a commissioner during the period of time that he serves as acting commissioner.

(e) Service as an acting commissioner shall in no way affect the permanent civil service status, or any other employment rights of the appointee.