(1) Each commissioner shall receive annual compensation equal to not less than the highest annual compensation received by a civil service commissioner of that county in calendar year 1977 and necessary traveling expenses and mileage as may be incurred in the actual performance of his or her duties. The annual compensation shall be paid on a biweekly basis.

  (2) Subject to subsection (1), the rate of compensation and expenses shall be fixed by the county board of commissioners.