(a) The Commissioner of Insurance shall be compensated in the amount and manner provided in Code Sections 45-7-3 and 45-7-4. He shall also be reimbursed for actual transportation costs while traveling by public carrier, the legal mileage rate for use of a personal automobile, and the actual cost of lodging and meals while away from his office on official state business as provided in Code Section 45-7-20.

(b) The Commissioner of Insurance shall fix the compensation of the employees of his office including the employees of all divisions and units, by whatever name called, over which the Commissioner of Insurance has jurisdiction, except that any employees under the merit system shall be compensated as provided by the laws, rules, and regulations relative to such system. Employees shall also be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.