§ 74. Determination of positions and salaries. The board of estimate
and apportionment, except as otherwise provided by law, shall have
authority to fix the salaries or compensation, and determine the
positions and numbers of all city officers and employees, of each
office, board and department, but the salary or compensation of every
officer and employee shall be thus fixed before his election or
appointment, except in the first instance after the city shall have
become a city of the second class and subject to the provisions of this
chapter.