(A) The district must be governed by a commission to be known as the South Lynches Fire District Commission (commission). The commission shall consist of five resident electors of the district who shall be elected by the qualified electors of the district.

(B) The initial five commissioners shall be appointed by the Senators and members of the House of Representatives who represent any portion of the district. They shall be appointed upon a date not later than ninety days after the effective date of this article, their terms expire December 31, 1984. Thereafter, all commissioners shall be elected as provided by this article.

(C) The election shall be conducted by the Florence and Williamsburg County Election Commissions at the time of the general election. The commissions shall give notice by publication sixty days prior to the election and a second notice two weeks after the first notice, in one or more newspapers with general circulation in the district. The election commissions in both counties shall certify the candidates receiving the highest number of votes as the election commissioners of the district as provided by this section. In order to stagger the terms, beginning with the election in 1984, the terms of the three commissioners who receive the highest number of votes shall begin January 1, 1984, and expire December 31, 1988, and the two commissioners receiving the lowest number of votes shall receive two-year terms to begin January 1, 1984, and expire December 31, 1986. At the expiration of these terms, all commissioners shall be elected for terms of four years.

(D) Any vacancy occurring by reason of death, resignation, or otherwise must be filled by the Senators and members of the House of Representatives representing any portion of the district for the remainder of the unexpired term. Upon any commissioner moving out of the area of the district, his position shall become vacant.

(E) Any resident qualified elector of the district may be a candidate for the position of commissioner by filing with the election commission of the county in which he resides at least thirty days prior to the election.

HISTORY: 1983 Act No. 149 Section 2.