The county council shall establish by ordinance and in accordance with law an independent "salary commission," which shall fix the salaries for the county council, executive, assessor, auditor, clerk, prosecuting attorney, sheriff and treasurer. Salary commission members shall serve two year terms ending December 31, 2009 and every two years thereafter. Members of the salary commission shall serve without compensation, but may receive reimbursement for mileage to and from meetings and for such other expenses directly related to their service as provided by ordinance.

The salary commission shall meet biennially and shall file the salary schedule with the county council and county auditor not later than May 1. The salary schedule shall become effective January 1 of the following calendar year and incorporated into the county budget without further action of the county council, county executive or salary commission. Salary changes fixed by the salary commission shall be subject to referendum petition in the manner as prescribed by law for county commissioner and councilmember salary commissions.

The salaries for the county council, executive, assessor, auditor, clerk, prosecuting attorney, sheriff and treasurer in effect on January 1, 2007 shall remain in effect until changed as provided herein.