Present employees in the classified service of the state Merit System within each agency transferred in Section 41-23-1 whose job classifications are not abolished hereinafter, shall continue with the Department of Economic and Community Affairs in such functions deemed necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Department of Economic and Community Affairs. Other employees necessary to implement the duties and functions of the Department of Economic and Community Affairs may be employed subject to the provisions of the state Merit System laws and shall be entitled to the same rights and benefits thereunder. Salaries set for such employees shall not exceed the salary set by law for executive department heads.

Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent or preclude the removal of an employee in a manner provided by this article, or for cause in a manner provided by law.