(a)(1) In Henry County, the Southeast Alabama Human Development Council is hereby established as a nonprofit entity. The members of the council are the juvenile judge, chair of the county commission, sheriff, the members of the legislative delegation or their designee of Henry County, and two members appointed at-large by the Board of Directors of the Southeast Alabama Human Development Council.

(2) The term of office of each member, except the at-large members, shall be the same as his or her elected term of office and the two at-large members shall serve terms to be set by the board of directors not to exceed four years. A vacancy occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled in the same manner as by the original member, for the unexpired term only.

(3) The members of the council shall serve without compensation, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for all necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties in accordance with state travel regulations from funds available to the council.

(4) Members of the council shall meet at least quarterly, and at other times as the chair of the council deems appropriate. A chair of the council shall be elected by the membership at the first meeting of the council and every two years thereafter. Clerical and administrative assistance to the council may be provided by the county commission until such time as the council can provide such assistance through its own resources.

(b) The powers and duties of the board shall be as follows:

(1) To establish and oversee the operation of a facility to provide for detention and shelter or other care for children referred to or coming under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. The facility shall be licensed by the Alabama Department of Youth Services and shall be operated pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the board and as otherwise provided by law.

(2) To solicit and accept public or private donations, grants, gifts, appropriations, property, or services to carry out this section.

(3) To hire employees, purchase necessary equipment and supplies, and enter into any contracts necessary to carry out the purposes for which it was created.

(4) To contract for liability, property, and casualty insurance as may be necessary. Such insurance may be obtained from any company or entity through which the Henry County Commission may obtain insurance. Damages recoverable against the board shall be pursuant to Chapter 93 of Title 11.

(c) Upon application and approval by a majority of the members of the board and according to such terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed upon, a county other than Henry County may become a member of the board. The application shall be made by the county governing body of the county desiring to become a member. In such an event, the juvenile judge, chair of the county commission, sheriff, and legislative delegation of the county shall become members of the board.

(d) The juvenile judge for Henry County or any other participating county may refer a juvenile otherwise subject to referral to the facility operated by the board. A participating county or the Department of Youth Services, or both, shall pay such costs for the care and detention of juveniles as required in Title 12 of Chapter 15, upon order of the court.

(e) The board shall be exempt from all local or municipal taxation, including license, privilege, or excise taxes as may be provided by local law.