Ala. Code § 45-8-200.04

The commissioner of licenses herein provided for may appoint a deputy commissioner of licenses who shall, in his absence, have the power and authority herein granted to the commissioner of licenses. The commissioner of licenses may also appoint a sufficient number of clerks and assistants to properly perform the duties of his or her office. The compensation of the deputy commissioner of licenses, clerks, and assistants shall be fixed by the commissioner of licenses subject to the approval of 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.