The Tax Assessor of Lowndes County may appoint two full-time clerks and the tax collector of such county may appoint one full-time clerk, such clerks to serve under the direction and at the pleasure of the tax assessor and tax collector, respectively. The Lowndes County Commission may appoint one additional full-time clerk for each the tax assessor and tax collector. The commission shall fix the salaries of any clerk, appointed by the tax assessor, tax collector, or appointed by the commission at an amount not to exceed six hundred dollars ($600) per month. Such salaries shall be paid from the general fund of the county and shall be paid either according to an hourly rate or a monthly rate within the discretion of such county commission.