Without regard to the laws of this State relating to other State employees, and subject to § 2–103.4 of this article, the Administration may: Create and abolish any position other than one specifically provided for in this title; and Determine the qualification, appointment, removal, term, and tenure of its employees. The Administration may determine the compensation of: Employees if the compensation is determined pursuant to Subtitle 6 of this title; Executive management positions, as recommended by the Secretary and approved by the Governor, subject to approval in the budget; and Management positions, subject to approval by the Secretary and the Governor and the availability of funds in the budget. Subject to § 2–103.4 of this article, the Administration may establish a personnel system based on merit and fitness. The Administration may: Subject to Division II of the State Personnel and Pensions Article, participate in the Employees’ Retirement System and the Employees’ Pension System of the State of Maryland on terms and conditions mutually acceptable to the Administration and the Board of Trustees for the State Retirement and Pension System; and Establish and maintain an independent system of pensions and retirement benefits for its employees. The Administrator may appoint and remove all employees of the Administration, subject to the rules of procedure and standards that the Secretary adopts. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Maryland Transportation Commission shall determine the qualifications and appointments, as well as compensation and leave, for up to 12 management personnel positions required by the Administration to operate and administer all State–owned transit facilities. In making determinations and appointments under this subsection, the Maryland Transportation Commission shall consider the comparative status of employees serving in similar positions and discharging similar duties at comparable transit agencies. In selecting comparable transit agencies, the Maryland Transportation Commission shall consider operational and traffic data, market area characteristics, agency competitiveness, and any other factors the Commission considers appropriate. Except for general salary increases approved by the General Assembly, the Maryland Transportation Commission shall submit to the Secretary of Budget and Management at least 10 days before the effective date of any management personnel position salary increase notice of the proposed adjustment. The Secretary of Budget and Management shall: Review the proposed adjustment; and Within 10 days after receipt of the proposed adjustment, advise the Maryland Transportation Commission whether the adjustment poses an adverse impact on special fund expenditures. Failure of the Secretary of Budget and Management to advise the Maryland Transportation Commission in a timely manner shall be deemed a determination that the proposed adjustment poses no adverse impact. Employees appointed under this subsection are State employees and shall be entitled to participate in the retirement and pension systems for employees of the State of Maryland authorized under Division II of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.