(a) The circuit judges of the First, Fourth, and Fifth Divisions of the Sixth Judicial District may appoint one (1) presentence officer.
(b) The duties of the presentence officer shall include the investigation of defendants and the making of such reports to the circuit court as it deems desirable as to the past conduct of any defendant that appears before the court.
(c) The salary of the presentence officer shall be fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) per calendar year, which salary shall be paid by Pulaski County.
(d)
(1) The salaries of the presentence officer set by this section and by county ordinance shall be amended to provide for an increase of the minimum salaries of four percent (4%) as of July 10, 1987; another increase of four percent (4%) beginning December 26, 1987; and another increase of four percent (4%) beginning December 24, 1988, unless a higher salary is provided by any other legislative act or county ordinance.
(2) All of the salaries shall be paid by Pulaski County. All of the salaries shall be paid bi-weekly by Pulaski County.
(3) When the county quorum court raises salaries for county employees, it shall also raise salaries an equivalent amount for the employees provided for in this subsection.
(4) The employees covered by this subsection shall be treated by Pulaski County in the same manner as other Pulaski County employees for all other purposes.