(a) The board shall meet when necessary for the proper performance of its duties, but in no case less than once a year. Meetings shall be held at places in the state as the board deems necessary. At its first meeting next following May 2, 1989, and every two years thereafter, the board shall organize itself by electing from its membership a chair, vice-chair, and a recording secretary. The board shall appoint, employ, or contract with an executive director for the board, and may appoint, employ, or contract with a deputy director, neither of whom shall be subject to the state Merit System. The executive director shall serve as treasurer of the board, but the deputy director may serve as treasurer of the board in the absence of the executive director or when otherwise directed by the board. The executive director and the deputy director shall not be a member of the board and shall not be engaged or otherwise connected with the plumbing or gas fitting industry. The board shall set the compensation of the executive director and the deputy director in accordance with regulations of the State Personnel Board. Four members of the board shall constitute a quorum for transacting business. Each member of the board shall receive as compensation for services the sum of two hundred dollars ($200) per day for each day spent in active service for the board. In addition to per diem compensation, each board member shall be reimbursed for any necessary expense incurred in performing duties as a board member. The expenses allowable to each board member shall not exceed the per diem amount of state travel expenses allowed by law, from time to time, for state employees traveling on state business. Employees of the board shall also be entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses incurred when traveling on official board business at the rate for state employees traveling on state business. The board may employ or contract for stenographic or clerical help and compliance officers when needed, and may purchase necessary office supplies, equipment, and services.

(b) The compensation and expense provided for in this section, and all other authorized expenses, shall be payable solely from fees collected by or on behalf of the board. In no event shall any expense incurred by the board be charged against any funds of the State of Alabama other than the funds collected under this chapter.