There shall be a director of weights and measures and inspectors of weights and measures and necessary technical and clerical personnel who shall be appointed by the department and who shall collectively comprise the State Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards, of which the director shall be the chief. The department shall be allowed such sums for salaries for the director, the inspectors and the necessary technical and clerical employees, for necessary equipment and supplies and for traveling and contingent expenses as shall be appropriated by the General Assembly.