The office of the budget is hereby established in the office of management and budget, for the purpose of promoting economy and efficiency in the fiscal management of the state government. The director of the office of management and budget is ex officio director of the budget.

The director of the budget shall appoint a budget analyst who must hold a baccalaureate degree from a recognized institution of higher learning and the appointment must be based upon the qualifications of eligible persons. The position of budget analyst is not a classified position and the budget analyst shall serve at the pleasure of the director of the budget. The budget director shall employ such other professional, technical, and clerical personnel as the director deems necessary to carry out the duties prescribed in this chapter and shall fix the salary of all employees within the office of the budget within the limits of the legislative appropriations. All personnel within the office of the budget must be allowed their actual and necessary travel expenses at the same rate as for other employees of the state.