In the appointment of persons to the Antelope Valley district staff, the Antelope Valley district board shall employ the personnel of the Antelope Valley Air Pollution Control District. On January 1, 2002, all employees of the Antelope Valley Air Pollution Control District shall be employed by the Antelope Valley district and shall be entitled to similar positions and duties on the Antelope Valley district staff. Except as otherwise provided in this article, an employee shall have permanent merit system employee status. A period of time as specified by the Los

Angeles County Board of Supervisors shall be allowed to employees of the Antelope Valley County Air Pollution Control District to transfer to other appropriate county employment before July 1, 2002.