1.  The several boards of county commissioners of each county, at the regular meeting in July of any year in which an election of constables is held, shall fix the minimum compensation of the constables within their respective townships for the ensuing term, either by stated salaries, payable monthly, semimonthly or at regular 26-week intervals, or by fees, as provided by law, or both, and they may thereafter increase or change such compensation during the term but shall not reduce it below the minimum so established.

2.  If it becomes necessary to appoint a constable at any time, the board of county commissioners in the county in which such appointment is made shall fix the compensation, either by salary or by fees, as provided by law, or both, for the term for which the constable is appointed.