The board may appoint an attorney as solicitor to the board and assessment office to advise on all legal matters and appear for and represent the board on all appeals taken from its decisions or orders to all courts of competent jurisdiction. The salary of the appointed solicitor shall be fixed by the salary board of the county. If the board does not appoint a solicitor in accordance with this section, the county solicitor must serve as solicitor to the board and assessment office to the extent that there is not a conflict of interest.