The clerk of the county commission, in counties of the second class, shall be entitled to have and to appoint such a number of deputies and assistants, as the county clerk, with the approval of the county commission, shall find necessary for the prompt and proper discharge of the duties of his office, and the deputies and assistants, so appointed, shall receive such salaries as may be fixed by the county clerk, with the approval of the county commission. The salaries of all such deputies and assistants shall be paid by the county in the same manner as the salary of the county clerk is paid.
§ 51.440, RSMo