(a) There may be created in Escambia County a personnel board. The personnel board shall be composed of not less than three persons nor more than seven persons, as established by the county commission. The board members shall be registered voters and residents of the county. Regardless of the number of board members, one member shall be appointed by the county commission as a whole and one member by the employees of the county. If the board has three members, the third member shall be selected collectively by the probate judge, sheriff, tax assessor, and tax collector. If the board has five members, the remaining members shall be selected as determined by the policies and procedures adopted by the county commission. If the board has seven members, the county commission shall select two members and each of the other elected officials shall select one member individually.

(b) County employees shall vote for a personnel board member from a list of persons nominated by the county commission, the county appointing authorities, and county employees. Nominations shall be based on procedures established by the county commission. Each employee shall be given the opportunity to vote for one person to serve on the personnel board. The individual receiving the greatest number of votes shall be the personnel board member.

(c) No person who holds elected office, is running for elected office, or receives a salary from the county shall serve on the board. A board member's term shall immediately terminate upon occurrence of a preceding condition. The official or group who appointed the board member shall appoint another board member as soon as possible.

(d) Each member shall serve a three-year term, with the exception of the inaugural members of the board. The inaugural members shall draw lots to determine the two members who shall serve three years, the two members to serve two years, and the one member to serve one year. Members may be reappointed to serve a total of no more than six years.

(e) The personnel department, or another body as designated by the county commission if the commission does not provide for a personnel department, shall provide all necessary clerical and administrative support for the board. The board shall meet only as needed. Each year board members shall select from among themselves a chair. Board members shall be compensated as established from time to time by the county commission.