(a) This section applies only in Frederick County.
(b) (1) The State’s Attorney’s annual salary is $188,777.
(2) The State’s Attorney’s salary shall be increased annually in a percentage equal to the average annual increment and salary adjustment given to Frederick County employees over the State’s Attorney’s prior 4–year term.
(3) The county commissioners shall:
(i) provide an office in the courthouse for the State’s Attorney;
(ii) pay the office expenses, including general operating expenses and the cost of equipment; and
(iii) pay the reasonable salary of a stenographer to be appointed by the State’s Attorney.
(c) (1) (i) The State’s Attorney may appoint two deputy State’s Attorneys who shall:
1. serve at the pleasure of the State’s Attorney; and
2. under the direction of the State’s Attorney, present cases to the grand jury and perform other necessary duties in relation to the grand jury and the operation of the office.
(ii) Subject to the approval of the county commissioners, the State’s Attorney shall set the salary of each deputy State’s Attorney.
(2) The State’s Attorney may appoint the number of full–time and part–time assistant State’s Attorneys that are approved by the county commissioners and who:
(i) serve at the pleasure of the State’s Attorney;
(ii) receive the compensation that the county commissioners approve; and
(iii) have the same legal powers that the State’s Attorney has to present cases to the grand jury and perform other necessary duties in relation to the grand jury and the operation of the office.
(d) (1) Subject to the approval of the county commissioners, the State’s Attorney may appoint other staff.
(2) Employees appointed under this subsection shall:
(i) serve at the pleasure of the State’s Attorney; and
(ii) receive the compensation that the county commissioners approve.
(e) The State’s Attorney and deputy State’s Attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.