(a)

(1) Except as provided in subdivision (a)(2), each member of the county election commission shall receive each month from the county funds the following minimum amount as compensation for each day spent in the performance of such duties:

(A) In counties of the first class, seventy dollars ($70.00);

(B) In counties of the second class, sixty-five dollars ($65.00);

(C) In counties of the third class, sixty dollars ($60.00);

(D) In counties of the fourth class, fifty-five dollars ($55.00);

(E) In counties of the fifth class, fifty dollars ($50.00);

(F) In counties of the sixth class, forty-five dollars ($45.00); and

(G) In counties of the seventh class, forty dollars ($40.00).

(2)

(A) In counties having a population of not less than two hundred eighty-five thousand (285,000) nor more than two hundred eighty-eight thousand (288,000), and in counties having a population of not less than three hundred nineteen thousand six hundred twenty-five (319,625) nor more than three hundred nineteen thousand seven hundred twenty-five (319,725), according to the federal census of 1980 or any subsequent federal census, the chair of the county election commission shall receive three hundred fifty dollars ($350) per month and each other member of the commission shall receive three hundred dollars ($300) per month.

(B) In counties having a population of eight hundred thousand (800,000) or more, according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the chair of the county election commission shall receive one thousand one hundred fifty dollars ($1,150) per month, and each other member of the commission shall receive one thousand dollars ($1,000) per month.

(3) The compensation may be increased by resolution of the county legislative body.

(b) For the purpose of computing what amount of time entitles a commissioner to the minimum compensation as provided in subdivision (a)(1), such commissioner shall have worked not less than one (1) hour in any given twenty-four-hour period in order to be entitled to such payment. Payment shall be made for meetings which last less than one (1) hour if such meetings are required by statute in order to call or conduct an election, or to prepare the annual budget or meetings which are necessary if the election commission is involved in litigation.

(c)

(1) The amount provided in this section, or a greater amount provided by resolution duly adopted by the county legislative body, shall be paid to the members for each day's attendance at meetings of the body, or a greater amount provided by resolution duly adopted by the county legislative body as a stated salary per month.

(2) For the purposes of classifying the counties under this section, the population classifications established in § 8-24-101 shall be applicable.

(3) The population of counties for purposes of this section shall be determined by the 1990 federal census or the most recent succeeding federal census or a special census as provided in § 8-24-102(c).

(4) The above minimum compensation amounts shall in no way diminish a compensation already being paid that may be greater than the stated amount.