(a) Whenever a vacancy occurs, for any reason whatsoever, in any Etowah County office more than one year before the expiration of the term of office, the Etowah County Commission shall forthwith order an election to be held by the qualified electors of the county to fill such vacancy. Such election shall otherwise be held and conducted in the same manner as provided by law for countywide or special elections.
(b) In the event the unexpired term is for less than a year, the county commission shall, at their discretion, either make an appointment for the unexpired term or oversee the operation of the vacant office. Provided, however, that no person appointed nor any member of the county commission shall be eligible to immediately qualify to hold the same office subsequent to such special election without the elapse of one full term. Thereafter, such person shall be eligible to qualify for the office, as provided by law.