2. a. The annual salary of a first assistant prosecutor, a county prosecutor's principal assistant or an assistant prosecutor shall be determined by the board of chosen freeholders on recommendation of the county prosecutor.
b. The salary of any person serving as a first assistant prosecutor, a county prosecutor's principal assistant or an assistant prosecutor prior to the effective date of P.L.1996, c.99 (C.2A:158-15.3 et al.) may not be reduced pursuant to the provisions of subsection a. of this section.