(a) In Franklin County, the tax assessor, tax collector, and judge of probate each are hereby authorized to appoint not less than one clerk and any additional clerks to assist him or her in the performance of his or her duties. Such clerks as are appointed under this section shall serve at the pleasure of the officer making such appointment.
(b) Such clerks as are appointed under this section shall be paid a salary to be fixed by the county commission. Such salary to be set in accordance with adopted county personnel policy to be paid out of the county general fund. The county commission is hereby authorized to increase the number of clerks in the aforesaid offices when in the judgment of the commission that a need exists.