(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, administration of the affairs of zones shall be in the county engineer. The engineer may appoint such deputies and engage such employees, specialists, and technicians as may be required by the zone and as are authorized by the zone's budget. Subject to the approval of the supervisors, the engineer may organize, or reorganize as required, the zone into such departments, divisions, or other administrative relationships as he or she deems necessary to its efficient operation.

(2) In a zone with supervisors elected pursuant to RCW 86.15.050, the supervisors may provide for administration of the affairs of the zone by other than the county engineer, pursuant to the authority established in RCW 86.15.095 to hire employees, staff, and services and to enter into contracts.

Effective date—2005 c 127: See note following RCW 86.15.055.