Employees employed by the recreation department on July 1, 1970, who are employed under the county merit system shall be employed by the Commission: to further the functions and programs of Title 25, Subtitle 8 of this article; in a position classification that the county planning board may establish; and at a pay grade not less than that held by the employee under the county merit system. Employees transferred to the Commission under this subtitle shall be given credit for sick and annual leave accrued under the county merit system and for any other benefits, privileges, and rights accrued while employed by the county.