A. If the governing body or bodies of any governmental unit or units shall determine that the power to provide, establish, conduct and maintain such recreation centers, facilities and playgrounds shall be exercised by a board or commission acting through a public recreation department, the governing body or bodies shall, by resolution or ordinance, singly or jointly, establish in the governmental unit or units a public recreation board which shall possess all the powers necessary to the carrying out of the provisions of this subarticle, and the planning and providing of a comprehensive program of public recreation. However, the financial and fiscal affairs of the board or commission and the public recreation program shall be under the supervision and control of the governing body or bodies of the governmental unit or units.

B. If a public recreation board or commission is established, it shall consist of not less than five (5) persons serving without pay, to be appointed jointly by a majority of the members of the governing body or bodies of the governmental unit or units. The term of office of each of the members of the board or commission shall be fixed by the governing body or bodies or the governmental unit or units; however all terms shall not expire at the same time. Immediately after their appointment, the members of the board or commission shall meet and organize by electing one of their members chairman, and such other officers as the board may deem necessary. The board or commission shall elect officers annually and may appoint permanent or temporary committees, who may or may not be members of the board or governing body, to advise and assist it in the conduct of its affairs. Vacancies on the board or commission occurring otherwise than by expiration of their term of office shall be filled by the presiding officer of the governing body or bodies only for the unexpired term of the member whose vacancy is being filled.