1. In each county having a population of 100,000 or more the board of county commissioners shall by ordinance establish a merit personnel system for all employees of the county except those exempted under the provisions of NRS 245.213 to 245.216, inclusive.
2. In each county having a population of less than 100,000 the board of county commissioners may by ordinance establish a merit personnel system for all employees of the county except those exempted under the provisions of NRS 245.213 to 245.216, inclusive.