(1) The authority shall consult with the court to appoint a president within thirty (30) days following the appointment of a majority of its board as provided in Section 51-10-9, who shall serve at the will and pleasure of the board. If the authority does not have management and control of the water and wastewater systems by the date of the appointment of a president, the state may pay the salary of the president on a bimonthly basis, subject to appropriations. The president shall serve as deputy to the ITPM until the court enters final judgement, at which time the president shall manage the daily affairs of the authority and shall have such powers and duties as specified by this chapter, by the board, and by any rules or regulations adopted by the board. The president shall not be a member of the board and shall serve at the will and pleasure of the board.
(2) Until the authority assumes management and control of the water and wastewater systems, the president shall coordinate with the ITPM in order to provide the best opportunity for minimal disruption in service and maximum ease of transition after the ITPM has concluded its work in overseeing and operating the water system or wastewater system or the respective functions with respect thereto.
(3) The president shall employ such personnel as he or she deems necessary. All personnel shall serve at the will and pleasure of the president.
(4) The board shall set the salary of the president at such level as necessary to recruit and retain a qualified professional with the expertise necessary in a public utility. The board may authorize whatsoever incentive compensation program for the president and authority staff as it deems necessary and proper. The authority shall be exempt from the provisions of Section 25-3-39.