Mississippi Code Title 59. Ports, Harbors, Landings and Watercraft § 59-7-407

A port commission created under this article shall consist of six (6) members who shall be qualified electors of the municipality operating under this article, and shall be appointed as follows: two (2) shall be appointed by the Governor, two (2) shall be appointed by the governing authorities of the municipality, and two (2) shall be appointed by the board of supervisors of the county. The commission shall have jurisdiction over the port, terminals, harbors and passes leading thereto, and all vessels, boats and wharves, common carriers and public utilities using the port. Commissioners shall be paid the uniform per diem compensation authorized in Section 25-3-69 for the discharge of official duties at meetings called in accordance with Section 59-7-409.

In the first instance, the two (2) commissioners appointed by the Governor shall be appointed for terms of five (5) and four (4) years, respectively, from the date of appointment; one (1) member appointed by the board of supervisors shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years from the date of appointment, and the members appointed by the governing authorities of the municipality shall be appointed for terms of two (2) and one (1) years, respectively, from the date of appointment. The additional member appointed by the board of supervisors shall be appointed to a term of five (5) years. After the first appointments, thereafter each member appointed shall be appointed for a term of five (5) years.

The commission shall, upon appointment, organize as provided in Section 59-7-409.

A port commission created under this article may be dissolved by the governing authorities of the municipality as provided under Section 59-7-408.