Sec. 311. (a) ADVISORY. The advisory plan commission may appoint, prescribe the duties, and fix the compensation of such employees as are necessary for the discharge of the duties of the commission. This compensation must be in conformity with salaries and compensation fixed up to that time by the fiscal body of the municipality or county, as the case may be. The commission may contract for special or temporary services and any professional counsel.
(b) AREA. The area plan commission shall appoint an executive director for the planning department and fix the director's compensation. To be qualified for the position, the executive director must have training and experience in the field of planning and zoning. The commission may not give any consideration to political affiliation in the appointment of the executive director.