(a)      Each local board may appoint or retain as counsel an individual who is:

            (1)      a registered voter of its county; and

            (2)      admitted to practice law in the State.

      (b)      (1)      Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the salary of counsel shall be set by the local board in accordance with the county budget.

            (2)      (i)      In Anne Arundel County, the counsel may not be compensated less than the salary of a local board member.

                  (ii)      In Baltimore County, the counsel may not be compensated less than $2,000.

                  (iii)      In Montgomery County, the counsel shall receive an annual salary of $2,000.

                  (iv)      In Prince George's County, the counsel shall receive an annual salary of $4,500.

                  (v)      In Wicomico County, the counsel shall receive an annual salary of $1,200, paid in equal quarterly installments by the county council.

                  (vi)      In Worcester County, the counsel shall receive an annual salary as provided in the county budget, but not less than $800.

      (c)      In accordance with the county budget and in addition to the compensation specified in subsection (b) of this section, each local board may provide counsel with appropriate additional compensation for services that the local board determines are necessary.