(A) There is hereby established a County Convention, Visitor, and Tourism Commission to promote the development and growth of the convention, visitor, and tourism industry in the county.
(B) (1) The Commission shall be composed of seven members. If available and willing to serve, at least two members must be engaged in the business of renting or furnishing rooms, lodging, or accommodations in the county. A simple majority of the members must be:
(a) Engaged in a convention, visitor, or tourism business; or
(b) Involved in or promoting conventions, visitors, or tourism.
(2) Each member must reside in the county. No more than a simple majority of the members may be affiliated with the same political party.
(C) The members of the Commission shall be appointed in the following manner.
(1) Four members by the Board of Commissioners of the county, one of which must be engaged in the business of renting or furnishing rooms, lodging, or accommodations in the county.
(2) Two members by the County Council, one of which must be engaged in the business of renting or furnishing rooms, lodging, or accommodations in the county.
(3) One member by the executive of the largest municipality in the county, as provided by I.C. 6-9-18-5.
(D) The term of office of each member shall be two years, beginning January 1, with four members to be appointed in odd-numbered years and three members to be appointed in even-numbered years.
(E) A member whose term expires may be reappointed to serve another term. If a vacancy occurs, the appointing authority shall appoint a qualified person to serve for the remainder of the term. If an initial appointment is not made by February 1, or a vacancy is not filled within 30 days, the Commission shall appoint a member by majority vote.
(F) A member of the Commission may be removed for cause by his or her appointing authority.
(G) Members of the Commission may not receive a salary.
(H) Each Commission member, before entering his or her duties, shall take an oath of office in the usual form, to be endorsed upon his or her certificate of appointment, and promptly filed with the Clerk of the County Circuit Court.
(I) The Commission shall meet after January 1 each year for the purpose of organization. It shall elect one of its members President, another Vice President, another Secretary, and another Treasurer. The members elected to those offices shall perform the duties pertaining to the offices. The first officers chosen shall serve from the date of their election until their successors are elected and qualified. A majority of the Commission constitutes a quorum, and the concurrence of a majority of the Commission is necessary to authorize any action.
(J) The powers of the Commission are those set out in I.C. 6-9-18-6.
(K) All money coming into possession of the Commission shall be deposited, held, secured, invested, and paid in accordance with statutes relating to the handling of public funds. The handling and expenditure of money coming into possession of the Commission is subject to audit and supervision by the State Board of Accounts.
(Ord. 1994-5, passed 4-4-1994; Ord. 2003-02, passed 1-21-2003)