(a)      The Chairman of the County Board is entitled to receive $14,000 annually as compensation and the other members are entitled to receive $12,000 each annually as compensation.

      (b)      After submitting vouchers under the rules and regulations adopted by the County Board, the Chairman and the other members are entitled to receive reimbursement for travel and other expenses as provided in the Howard County budget.

      (c)      The employer's share for State retirement and pension contributions made on behalf of the Chairman and other Board members may not be considered compensation for the purpose of calculating compensation under subsection (a) of this section.

      (d)      (1)      The Chairman and other Board members may participate in health insurance and other benefit programs sponsored by the Board.

            (2)      A Board member's participation in a benefit program sponsored by the Board under this subsection may not be considered compensation for the purpose of calculating compensation under subsection (a) of this section.