The director of finance is authorized to pay each inmate who is assigned to work at an essential job or to participate in a program specified by the director at the rate of one dollar ($1.00) per day, or such higher rate as may be established in executive regulations adopted by the county executive under method (3) of section 2A-15 of this Code, for the actual days worked or for the actual days of successful participation in a program. The director or designee will maintain a list of essential inmate work positions and will specify the programs for which inmates will be paid. Such payment shall not be made for required housekeeping duties performed within an inmate's quarters or confinement area. (1976 L.M.C., ch. 24, § 1; 1984 L.M.C., ch. 24, § 16.)