1. In all first class counties not having a charter form of government and in each second class county which contains a portion of a city having a population of at least three hundred thousand and which adjoins a first class county which does not have a charter form of government, there may be a board of equalization consisting of three taxpaying property-owning citizen, residents of such county for five years next before their appointment, who shall be appointed by the county commission for three-year terms with one member being appointed annually on the second Monday in January of each year; after the county commission makes the first appointments on the full three-member board on the second Monday in January, 1981. The initial appointments shall be for one-, two- and three-year terms, respectively.

2. Each member shall take an oath similar to that required by law of members of other county boards of equalization.

3. Compensation shall be fixed by order of the county commission.

4. Vacancies or absences on the board of equalization caused by death, incapacity to perform duties, failure to attend three consecutive meetings, or resignation shall be filled forthwith by appointment by the county commission.