The commission may employ a general manager, engineers, a secretary, counsel, and such other engineering, clerical, legal, accounting and other assistants as it may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this act. The provisions of Title 11 of the Revised Statutes shall be construed to extend to all of the offices, positions and employments of the commission with the exception of the members of the commission, the general manager, secretary, counsel and engineers.

In any employments, the commission shall give preference, wherever possible, but in its absolute discretion, to the persons employed by the owner of the property so acquired by the municipality, having in mind the fitness of such employees for the performance of the duties to be assigned to them and the change of functions of the commission from those of the said owner.

L.1946, c. 245, p. 866, s. 8.