On January 1, 2002, the APCO, deputies designated by the APCO, and other exempt employees of the Antelope Valley Air Pollution Control District shall be employed by the Antelope Valley district and shall serve in the same capacity for the Antelope Valley district. The APCO and deputies designated by the APCO shall serve at the pleasure of the Antelope Valley district board, and shall receive the compensation that is determined by the board.