(a) Appointment.--Except as provided under subsection (b), if council divides a borough into wards, it shall request the court of common pleas to appoint for each ward a judge and two inspectors of election to hold elections until the officers of the ward may be elected.

(b) Expiration.--Except as provided under subsection (a), officers in office at the time any changes are made under this chapter shall remain in office until the expiration of the terms for which they have been elected. If a vacancy occurs, the vacancy shall be filled by the council, until the first Monday of January next succeeding the election at which the officers are to be elected, as provided under Chapter 8 (relating to elections of officers).