(a)

(1) In all counties in this state there may be created a unification educational planning commission, sometimes called the “commission” in §§  49-2-1251 — 49-2-1266.

(2) It is the duty of the planning commission to study and consider the need for and problems in conjunction with the consolidation of all county schools within the subject counties into a unified school system, and to make and file a written report as provided in this part. If the report recommends consolidation, it shall be accompanied by a proposed plan of consolidation, as provided in §§  49-2-1251 — 49-2-1266.

(b)

(1) The county mayor, the chair of the county commission and the chair of the board of education of each county may each appoint three (3) competent citizens as members of the planning commission.

(2) The names of all appointees, other than those made by the county mayor, shall be certified to the county mayor by the appointing authority.

(3) The county mayor of one (1) of the counties, which one (1) shall be determined by mutual agreement of the counties, shall furnish the commissioner of education with a certified list of all members of the planning commission promptly after all appointments have been made.

(4) The certified list, together with the appointing officials who shall be ex officio voting members, shall constitute the planning commission, subject to the right of the appointing authorities thereafter to fill any vacancies that may subsequently occur.

(c)

(1) Within thirty (30) days after the planning commission has been constituted, its members shall hold an organizational meeting at a time and place fixed by one (1) of the county mayors, which one (1) to be determined by mutual agreement of the counties, with notice of the meeting to all members.

(2) The planning commission shall elect a chair, a secretary and other officers as it deems necessary.

(3) Future meetings of the planning commission shall be held at such times and places as may be determined.

(d)

(1) Members of the planning commission shall not receive per diem or other compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred by them.

(2) The expenses and other necessary expenses of the planning commission shall be paid from funds appropriated for those expenses by the participating counties.