1. After January 1, 1996, the commission shall appoint a director of the Missouri state fair who shall, at that time, assume from the director of the department of agriculture the responsibility for administration of the state fair. The director shall receive an annual salary as established by the commission, subject to appropriations, to be paid in the same manner as other state employees. The director shall serve at the pleasure of the commission. The director may reside on the grounds of the Missouri state fair, and housing and utilities may be provided by the commission out of funds appropriated for that purpose.

2. Within the limits of appropriations made for that purpose, necessary administrative and maintenance staff may be employed by the director for the care and maintenance of the state fair grounds.