If this part or its enforcement by the personnel board shall be called into question in any judicial proceeding, or if any person, county, or municipality shall fail or refuse to comply with the lawful orders or directions of the personnel board, such board may call upon the county or city attorney of any county or city subject to its control or may employ independent counsel to represent it in sustaining this part and its enforcement thereof and the compensation of such independent counsel shall be paid as other employees of the board are paid.