(a) The county governing body of Lowndes County is hereby authorized to employ one person as a chief clerk, who shall be appointed by the judge of probate, to perform clerical services for the judge of probate in his or her office. The county governing body is authorized and directed to pay the chief clerk the sum of not more than thirteen hundred dollars ($1,300) per month. Such sum shall be payable out of the funds of the county treasury. The exact amount shall be set by the county governing body.
(b) The county governing body of Lowndes County is hereby authorized to employ a clerk to work in the office of the judge of probate which clerk shall be appointed by the judge of probate. The county governing body is authorized to pay the clerk the sum of not more than nine hundred fifty dollars ($950) per month. Such sum shall be payable out of the funds of the county treasury and the exact amount shall be set by the governing body of Lowndes County.
(c) The county governing body of Lowndes County is hereby authorized to employ a clerk or clerks to work in the office of the judge of probate from time to time as the judge of probate deems necessary, which clerk or clerks shall be appointed by the judge of probate. The county governing body is authorized to provide the sum of thirty-six hundred dollars ($3,600) per year for payment of the clerk or clerks. Such sum shall be payable out of the funds of the county treasury and the exact amount to be paid the clerk or clerks within the thirty-six hundred dollars ($3,600) authorized shall be set by the judge of probate.