At least annually, and as often as it may think proper, the board of supervisors, or a competent person authorized by the board of supervisors, shall examine into the state and condition of the jail, in regard to its safety, sufficiency and accommodation of the prisoners, and from time to time take such legal measures as may best tend to secure the prisoners against escape, sickness and infection, and have the jail cleansed. If it shall appear from such examination that the sheriff has neglected his duty in the manner of keeping the jail, or keeping and furnishing the prisoners, the board shall fine him, as for a contempt, in any sum not exceeding One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).
The board of supervisors shall not authorize the sheriff or any member of his department to make the inspections required by this section.