Subject to the applicable merit system provisions of this Charter and other laws, all officers, agents and employees in the executive branch of the County shall hold such terms and receive such compensation as may from time to time be provided by this Charter or by ordinance not inconsistent therewith. Officers and employees, in the exempt service as defined in Section 802 of this Charter shall have their compensation fixed by an executive pay plan adopted by the County Council by ordinance upon recommendation of the County Executive. In the development, adoption or amendment of the executive pay plan ordinance the County Executive and County Council shall give due consideration to prevailing salaries for similar positions in other appropriate United States jurisdictions of generally comparable population. The executive pay plan shall exclude the County Executive and other elected officials whose salaries may not be changed during their term of office.