The water board shall appoint a general manager of the water department to serve for an indefinite term, and may at any time remove him from office by the affirmative vote of not less than two of its members. At least thirty days before such removal shall become effective, the board shall adopt a preliminary resolution stating the reasons for his removal and specifying the date on which his removal shall become final. At any time within ten days after the adoption of such resolution, upon the written request of the manager, he shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard at a public meeting of the board, which shall be held no earlier than ten nor later than twenty days after the request was made, and at a time and place to be fixed by the water board. After such public hearing if one is requested, and after full consideration, the board by affirmative vote of two if its members may adopt a final resolution of removal. By the preliminary resolution the board may suspend the manager with pay for a period not to exceed thirty days, and may designate some other person to perform the duties of the manager during the period of his suspension.
The general manager shall be a person of proved executive and administrative ability, preferably with experience and training in the management of a water or other utility system. At the time of his appointment he need not be a resident of the city or state, but during his tenure of office shall reside in Harrison County. No member of the water board, during his term and for a year thereafter, shall be eligible for appointment as general manager of the water department.
Neither the water board nor any of its members shall direct or in any manner interfere with or obstruct the appointment or removal of any employee by the general manager or by any of his subordinates. Except for the purpose of inquiry, the board and its members shall deal with the employees of the water department solely through the general manager and shall give no orders to such employees, either publicly or privately. If any member of the board shall violate the provisions of this section, he shall be subject to removal from office in the manner provided for the removal of municipal officers in section seven, article six, chapter six of the official code of West Virginia, as amended.