The board of supervisors is hereby authorized to offer and pay out of the general fund of the county, not to exceed 1,000 dollars as a reward for the arrest and conviction or for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons having committed a crime within the county or having escaped from any penal institution therein: Provided, That the powers granted hereby may be exercised by the finance committee of the board of supervisors where said board of supervisors is not in session.

    (a) The board of supervisors in any county containing a population of not less than 180,000 nor more than 250,000 according to the last United States census may, by a majority vote of members-elect at any regular or legally called special meeting thereof, provide by resolution for the appointment of a warden or other official and the necessary deputies and assistants to have full charge and control of the county jail and the prisoners therein, under the supervision of the board of supervisors. The board shall fix the salary or compensation and prescribe the duties of such official or officials. They may be required to furnish bonds in amounts and with sureties approved by the board of supervisors.