(a) The tax collector is hereby authorized to employ up to four assistants to aid in carrying out the duties of his or her office. The tax assessor is authorized to employ up to five assistants to aid in carrying out the duties of his or her office. Upon authorization by the county governing body each officer shall appoint additional clerks as needed. Provided, however, all assistants shall serve at the pleasure of the respective officer. The compensation and benefits of the aforementioned assistants shall be comparable to other county employees with related job titles.
(b) The Tax Assessor and Tax Collector of Escambia County are each hereby authorized to employ two additional assistants in addition to those provided for by subsection (a) to aid in carrying out the duties of their offices at the Atmore Satellite Courthouse. The additional assistants shall serve at the pleasure of the respective officer. The compensation and benefits of the aforementioned assistants shall be comparable to other county employees with related job titles.