The Mayor, or in the Mayor's absence, a majority of the City Council, shall have power to appoint as many emergency police officers from time to time as the Mayor or Council deem necessary or expedient to enforce the ordinances of the City, and to protect the property of the citizens; provided, such appointment shall not be made for more than ten (10) days at any one time, when the City is required to pay such appointees; and, provided further, that such emergency appointees shall not receive a greater compensation than fifty dollars ($50.00) per day for such service. (1944 Code § 78; 1997 Code)