(a)    This section applies only in Somerset County.

(b)    (1)    The Sheriff of Somerset County shall receive an annual salary of not less than $75,000.

(2)    The Sheriff may not receive an expense allowance.

(c)    (1)    The Sheriff shall appoint a chief deputy who shall receive an annual salary of not less than $7,500.

(2)    Subject to the approval of the County Commissioners of Somerset County, the Sheriff may appoint additional deputies at the compensation set by the County Commissioners prior to any appointment.

(3)    Deputy sheriffs serve under the direction of the Sheriff.

(4)    Deputy sheriffs are required, within 1 year after their appointment, to complete successfully the course that the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission prescribes for police officers.

(5)    (i)    Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a deputy sheriff whose position is funded by the County Commissioners:

1.    Becomes a merit system employee of the Office of Sheriff of Somerset County on completion of the deputy sheriff’s initial probation period; and

2.    May not be dismissed without cause.

(ii)    A deputy sheriff whose position is funded through a grant or other source may be dismissed without cause after the funding source is depleted.

(6)    (i)    The County Commissioners may appoint a jail warden as the county jailer.

(ii)    Prior to the appointment of any individual, the County Commissioners shall establish an annual rate of compensation for the county jailer.

(d)    The Sheriff and deputy sheriffs may wear uniforms when performing their official duties.

(e)    The automobiles used by the Sheriff’s Office shall be equipped with a two–way radio.

(f)    The County Commissioners may pay for the uniforms, radios, automobiles, and operating expenses of the automobiles of the Sheriff’s Office.

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