The special county attorney for social service matters shall receive compensation for the performance of his duties and for his expenses in such amount as the board of commissioners may provide. His compensation shall be a proper item in the annual budget of the county department of social services. (1959, c. 1124, s. 1; 1961, c. 186; 1969, c. 546, s. 1; 1981, c. 275, s. 1.)