As a part of the order organizing the district, the department of water resources shall fix the time and place at which the members shall meet to select from their number a board of directors. Selection of the initial board may not be later than thirty days after the order is issued.

The number of directors on the board, not to exceed nine, must be determined by a majority vote of those members present. Any member elected a director who fails to become a participating member, within thirty days after entry in the minutes of the board of a declaration of availability of benefit units for subscription, forfeits the office of director.