(a) There is created the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority. The authority is created for the purpose and has the responsibility of aiding and assisting current industries and coordinating efforts of all municipal and county agencies of DeKalb County, Alabama, as well as aiding organizations in the development of new industries which will provide job opportunities for the citizens of DeKalb County.
(b)(l) The authority shall be governed by a board of directors consisting of seven members. Two of the seven members shall be appointed by the DeKalb County Commission. Three members shall be appointed by a majority vote of the legislators representing DeKalb County. One member shall be appointed by the mayor and council of the municipality that is the county seat of the county. One member shall be appointed by the DeKalb County Mayors' Association. Vacancies on the board shall be appointed by the same appointing authority who made the initial appointment.
(2) The initial terms of the directors shall be staggered. Two members shall serve for a term of two years, two members shall serve for a term of three years, and three members shall serve for a term of four years. Within 30 days following May 13, 1993, the appointing authorities shall submit in writing the name and address of the members of the board of directors to the judge of probate and a record of the appointments shall be filed and maintained in the office of the judge of probate. At the organizational meeting of the members of the board of directors of the authority, the members shall by lot select the initial term for which each shall serve. The term of each member shall be filed with the judge of probate. The term of office for all members after the initial term shall be four years.
(3) The members shall also elect from among themselves a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Each officer of the board shall serve for a period of one year, or until a successor is elected to serve. The officers of the board shall not be bonded, except the treasurer, who shall obtain a bond in a reasonable amount.
(4) The members of the board shall receive the same per diem and mileage for actual attendance of meetings of the board as allowed for state employees for up to 12 meetings in anyone year.
(c) In addition to regular members of the board, the board shall have advisory members who shall act in an advisory capacity and shall not have the right to vote as a member of the board of directors. Advisory members of the board of directors shall consist of the following: one advisory member appointed by each incorporated municipality within DeKalb County, one advisory member from each industrial development board within the county, one advisory member appointed by the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce, one advisory member appointed from the DeKalb County Board of Education, and one advisory member from the city board of education of the City of Ft. Payne. Any additional advisory members shall be governed by the bylaws.
(d)(1) The authority shall have the power to employ a qualified executive director who shall have the responsibility of carrying forth policies and directives of the board of directors. The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the board. The board of directors shall set the salary of the executive director and shall provide necessary office space and clerical help.
(2) The authority shall have the power to solicit and receive contributions from other government entities, corporations, partnerships, or individuals. The authority shall submit to audits by the Examiners of Public Accounts.
(e) The county commission shall appropriate for the operation of the authority fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) each year from the DeKalb County General Fund and fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) from funds received by the county from the state from payments made by the Tennessee Valley Authority in lieu of taxes.