The boards of health of any city in second class counties now or hereafter having a population of not less than one hundred and thirty thousand nor more than one hundred fifty thousand inhabitants, may appoint a secretary to such board of health, and said secretary shall hold his position during good behavior. Any such secretary in office on June second, one thousand nine hundred and thirty-seven, shall continue therein and his term of office is hereby extended during good behavior.

Every such secretary shall receive an annual salary of not less than one thousand seven hundred dollars. Such salary shall be paid by the municipality in the same manner as other salaries are paid, and the governing body shall provide the necessary funds for such payment.