Ala. Code § 45-45-201.05

The director of the department may appoint a deputy director of the department, who shall perform duties as the director may prescribe, and who, in the absence of the director, shall have the same powers and authority herein granted to the director of the department. The director of the department also may appoint a sufficient number of clerks and assistants properly to perform the duties of the office. Their compensation shall be fixed by the county governing body and paid out of the general fund of the county in the same manner as the salaries of other county employees are paid.