Sec. 4. (a) The initial terms of the commissioners are as follows:
(1) If the department is established under section 1(a) of this chapter, the initial terms are one (1), two (2), and three (3) years for the first three (3) commissioners. If additional commissioners are appointed, their initial terms are four (4) years.
(2) If the department is established under section 1(b) of this chapter, the initial terms of the two (2) appointed commissioners are four (4) and three (3) years respectively. However, if a third commissioner has also been appointed, the commissioner's initial term is two (2) years.
All terms begin on January 1 following the establishment of the department.
(b) As the initial terms expire, successors shall be appointed for four (4) year terms. In a county that is listed in section 3(b)(3) of this chapter, the appointments must be made before January 16 in the year the term begins. If a vacancy occurs on the board, the appointing authority shall appoint a commissioner for the remainder of the term within thirty (30) days after the vacancy occurs.