The commissioner shall be the official agent of the department for all purposes. Except as otherwise provided by law the commissioner shall be considered the “appointing authority” of the department within the contemplation of the Civil Service laws. He shall likewise be the budget officer, and, unless some other official be designated by him for the purpose, he shall be its fiscal officer. He shall have general charge and supervision of the work of the department.

Amended by L.1948, c. 87, p. 497, s. 3; L.1971, c. 384, s. 7, eff. Jan. 5, 1972.