The management and control of the fire association, its property, operations, business and affairs shall be lodged with the representatives from each state Fire Commission recognized fire department forming the fire association. For the purpose of forming the membership of the fire association, each fire department shall appoint one representative, by a majority vote of the members of the fire department, to serve on the fire association: Provided, That in the event three or less fire departments form the fire association each fire department shall elect two representatives, by a majority vote of the members of each fire department, to serve on the fire association: Provided, however, That in the event only one fire department forms the fire association the members of the fire department shall conduct the fire association's business. The members of the fire association shall serve for a term of three years with the initial appointments beginning on July 1, 1984. If a member resigns or for any other reason his position terminates during his term of membership, a successor shall be elected by majority vote of the members of the represented department to fill out the remainder of the vacated term. Members in office at the expiration of their respective terms shall continue to serve until their successors have been appointed and have qualified.