If any city constituting a city health district fails to establish a board of health under section 3709.05 of the Revised Code, the director of health may appoint a health commissioner for such city, and fix the commissioner's salary and term of office. Such commissioner shall have the same powers and perform the duties granted to or imposed upon a board of health of a city health district, except that rules, regulations, or orders of a general nature, made by the commissioner and required to be published, shall be approved by the director. The salary of such commissioner and all necessary expenses incurred by the commissioner in performing the duties of the board shall be paid by and be a valid claim against such city.
R.C. § 3709.06