(a)    This section applies only in Dorchester County.

(b)    (1)    The Sheriff of Dorchester County shall receive an annual salary equal to 80% of the annual salary of the State’s Attorney for Dorchester County.

(2)    The Sheriff shall be allowed the actual operating costs of the Sheriff’s Office, including the maintenance of automobiles.

(c)    (1)    The Sheriff shall appoint a chief deputy sheriff, or the managerial equivalent, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff.

(2)    If an employee of the Sheriff’s Office is appointed as chief deputy sheriff and is subsequently removed from the chief deputy sheriff’s position for other than cause, the person may resume the employment status held prior to the appointment to the chief deputy sheriff’s position.

(3)    The chief deputy sheriff shall:

(i)    Perform all duties assigned by the Sheriff; and

(ii)    If the Sheriff is temporarily incapacitated or there is a vacancy in the office of the Sheriff, perform all legal functions of the Sheriff.

(4)    If the Sheriff becomes incapacitated and the position of chief deputy sheriff is vacant, the County Council of Dorchester County shall appoint an acting chief deputy sheriff to serve until the Sheriff is reactivated or replaced.

(5)    The County Council shall approve the salary of the chief deputy sheriff.

(d)    (1)    The Sheriff may appoint probationary deputy sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, investigators, communications officers, secretaries, supervisors, administrators, and other staff as approved in the county budget.

(2)    The County Council shall approve the salaries for all staff appointed by the Sheriff.

(3)    The Sheriff may not refuse to reappoint a deputy sheriff without just cause.

(e)    The County Council may include in the merit system of the county the employees of the Sheriff’s Office.