A lake area planning commission shall consist of not less than five (5) nor more than eleven (11) members, all of whom shall be residents of the affected county or counties. The board of county commissioners shall, by resolution creating the planning commission, establish the qualifications for membership on the planning commission and the length of terms; provided, that after the initial appointment of planning commission members, not more than forty percent (40%) of the terms shall expire in any one (1) calendar year. In the event that two or more counties elect to cooperate in a joint lake area planning commission, the board of county commissioners of each county shall appoint the number of members to the planning commission as is mutually agreed by joint resolution of the boards of county commissioners of the participating counties. In the event that one or more incorporated cities or towns elect to come within the jurisdiction of a lake area planning commission, the governing bodies of such cities or towns may appoint the members of planning commissions as may be mutually agreed upon in a joint resolution among the participating county or counties and cities or towns.

Once appointed, members of a lake area planning commission may be removed from office during the term only for cause and after a hearing before the governing body by which the members were appointed. Vacancies occurring other than through the expiration of terms shall be filled for the unexpired term. Members of a lake area planning commission shall serve without compensation; provided, that upon the appropriation of funds members of the planning commission may be reimbursed for true and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

Added by Laws 1982, c. 183, § 4.