Sec. 9. (a) If the tax levied under section 6 of this chapter is increased by an ordinance of the county fiscal body, the county executive shall create a commission to promote:

(1) economic development; and

(2) the development and growth of the convention, visitor, and tourism industry;

in the county.

     (b) The composition and appointment of the membership of a commission created under subsection (a) must be as follows:

(1) Subject to subdivision (2), the county executive shall determine the number of members of the commission.

(2) The commission must be composed of an odd number of members.

(3) A simple majority of the members must be:

(A) engaged in the convention or tourism business;

(B) involved in or promoting conventions, visitors, or tourism; or

(C) involved in promoting economic development in the county.

(4) At least two (2) members must be engaged in the business of renting or furnishing rooms, lodging, or accommodations (as described in section 6 of this chapter) if at least two (2) such individuals are available and willing to serve on the commission.

(5) Not more than a simple majority of the members may be affiliated with the same political party.

(6) Each member must reside in the county.

(7) The executive of the largest municipality of the county shall appoint a number of members equal to:

(A) the total number of members of the commission; multiplied by

(B) a fraction:

(i) the numerator of which is equal to the population of the largest municipality in the county; and

(ii) the denominator of which is equal to the total population of the county;

rounded to the nearest whole number. The county executive shall determine who appoints the members of the commission not appointed by the executive of the largest municipality of the county.

     (c) All terms of office of commission members begin on January 1. Initial appointments must be for staggered terms, with subsequent appointments for two (2) year terms. A member whose term expires may be reappointed to serve another term. If a vacancy occurs, the appointing authority shall appoint a qualified person to serve for the remainder of the term. If an initial appointment is not made by February 1 or a vacancy is not filled within thirty (30) days after the vacancy occurs, the commission shall appoint a member by majority vote.

     (d) A member of the commission may be removed for cause by the member’s appointing authority.

     (e) Members of the commission may not receive a salary. However, commission members are entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their respective duties.

     (f) Each commission member, before entering the member’s duties, shall take an oath of office in the usual form, to be endorsed upon the member’s certificate of appointment and promptly filed with the clerk of the circuit court of the county.

     (g) The commission shall meet after January 1 each year for the purpose of organization. The commission shall elect one (1) of its members president, another vice president, another secretary, and another treasurer. The members elected to those offices shall perform the duties pertaining to the offices. The first officers chosen shall serve from the date of their election until their successors are elected and qualified. A majority of the commission constitutes a quorum, and the concurrence of a majority of the commission is necessary to authorize any action.

As added by P.L.172-2011, SEC.105.