N.Y. Second Class Cities Law § 74

§ 74. Determination of positions and salaries. The board of estimate\nand apportionment, except as otherwise provided by law, shall have\nauthority to fix the salaries or compensation, and determine the\npositions and numbers of all city officers and employees, of each\noffice, board and department, but the salary or compensation of every\nofficer and employee shall be thus fixed before his election or\nappointment, except in the first instance after the city shall have\nbecome a city of the second class and subject to the provisions of this\nchapter.\n