a. Each municipality of the State may, by ordinance, establish a municipal ethics board consisting of six members who are residents of the municipality, at least two of whom shall be public members. The members of the ethics board shall be appointed by the governing body of the municipality. The members shall be chosen by virtue of their known and consistent reputation for integrity and their knowledge of local government affairs. No more than three members of the ethics board shall be of the same political party.

b. The members of the municipal ethics board shall annually elect a chairman from among the membership.

c. The members shall serve for a term of five years; except that of the members initially appointed, two of the public members shall be appointed to serve for a term of five years, one member shall be appointed to serve for a term of four years, and the remaining members shall be appointed to serve for a term of three years. Each member shall serve until his successor has been appointed and qualified. Any vacancy occurring in the membership of the ethics board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired term.

d. Members of the ethics board shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed by the municipality for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties under this act.

L.1991,c.29,s.19.