Sec. 5. (a) The county executive shall create a commission to promote the development and growth of the convention, visitor, and tourism industry in the county.

     (b) The county executive shall determine the number of members, which must be an odd number and may not exceed fifteen (15) members, to be appointed to the commission. A simple majority of the members must represent the hospitality industry or be:

(1) engaged in a convention, visitor, or tourism business; or

(2) involved in or promoting conventions, visitors, or tourism.

A member appointed to the commission under subdivision (1) or (2) need not be a resident of the county if the member is an owner or an executive level employee of a convention, visitor, or tourism business that is located within the county. However, the member must be a resident of Indiana. If available and willing to serve, at least two (2) of the members must be engaged in the business of renting or furnishing rooms, lodging, or accommodations (as described in section 3 of this chapter). Not more than one (1) member may be affiliated with the same business entity. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, each member must reside in the county. The county executive shall also determine who will make the appointments to the commission.

     (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, 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. It 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.236-2023, SEC.121.