Notwithstanding any other provision of law, commencing July 1, 2005, the authority may recruit and employ civilian staff that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this article, and shall establish recruiting, testing, hiring, promotion, disciplinary, and dismissal procedures and practices which will meet the unique personnel needs of the authority. The practices may include incentives based on productivity, profit-sharing plans, or other criteria which will encourage civilian employee involvement in the productivity goals of the authority. The procedures and practices shall apply to all employees working in enterprises under the jurisdiction of the authority. The general manager shall be the appointing authority for all personnel of the authority other than the general manager.