(a) Commencing with the next term of office, in lieu of any other fees, compensation, or expense allowances, the Judge of Probate of Barbour County shall receive the salary determined by the Barbour County Commission, but in no event in an amount not less than the minimum salary provided by general law for judges of probate. The salary shall be paid in equal monthly installments in the same manner as county employees are paid.
(b) Commencing October 1, 1997, after ratification of the proposed constitutional amendment relating to Barbour County and the compensation of the judge or probate in the current session of the Legislature, the judge or probate shall receive a salary in the amount equal to the payment of all fees, expenses, and compensation currently paid to the Judge of Probate of Barbour County, not to exceed seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) per year. The annual salary shall be paid in equal monthly installments in the same manner as county employees are paid and shall be in lieu of any fees or expense allowances.
(c) Commencing October 1, 1997, all fees, charges, and compensation currently payable to the judge of probate shall be paid into the county general fund and all expenses and costs for the operation of the Office of the Judge of Probate of Barbour County shall be paid by the county commission from county funds.