To provide for the continuance of the legislative and executive departments of the political subdivision during a state of war emergency or a state of emergency or a local emergency the governing body thereof shall have the power to appoint the following standby officers:
(a) Three for each member of the governing body.
(b) Three for the chief executive, if he is not a member of the governing body.
In case a standby office becomes vacant because of removal, death, resignation, or other cause, the governing body shall have the power to appoint another person to fill said office.
Standby officers shall be designated Nos. 1, 2, and 3 as the case may be.
(Amended by Stats. 1974, Ch. 595.)