Ala. Code § 45-40-242
There is hereby created within the tax assessor's office of Lawrence County a license division which shall issue all motor vehicle licenses issued through the tax assessor's office. The county commission shall furnish suitable quarters and provide the necessary forms, books, stationery, records, equipment, and supplies, except such stationery forms and supplies as are furnished pursuant to law by the State Department of Finance or the Comptroller. The county commission shall also provide such clerks and other assistants for the tax assessor as shall be necessary from time to time for the proper and efficient performance of the duties of his or her office. The tax assessor shall have a chief clerk for the assessment division and chief clerk for the motor vehicle license division. The tax assessor shall have authority to employ such clerks, and other assistants, and to fix their compensation; however, the number and compensation of such clerks and other assistants shall be subject to the approval of the county commission. The compensation of the clerks and assistants shall be paid out of the general fund of the county in the same manner as other county employees are paid
Ala. Code § 45-40-242 (1975)