(a) Each member shall give such bond, if any, as may be required by ordinance, and shall qualify by taking the same oath of office as required for governing officials of the city or town. Within ten (10) days after appointment and qualification of members, the board shall hold a meeting to elect a chair, and designate a secretary and treasurer, or a secretary-treasurer, who need not be a member or members of the board, and fix the amount of the surety bond that shall be required of such treasurer and shall fix such person‘s compensation. The board shall hold public meetings at least once per month, at such regular time and place as the board may determine. Changes in the time and place of meeting shall be made known to the public as far in advance as practicable. Except as otherwise expressly provided, the board shall establish its own rules of procedure.
(b) All members of the board shall serve without compensation, but they shall be allowed necessary traveling and other expenses while engaged in the business of the board, including an allowance not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) per month for attendance at meetings. Such expenses, as well as the salaries of the secretary and treasurer, or secretary-treasurer, shall constitute a cost of operation and maintenance.
(c) All members of the board shall receive an additional allowance, not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00), per month for attendance at meetings when the municipalities have thereby authorized to transfer to and confer upon the board of waterworks or sewerage commissioners the jurisdiction over the gas system. Such additional allowances shall constitute a cost of operation and maintenance of the utility systems.