(a)      The number of positions in the office of clerk of a circuit court shall be as provided in the budget.

      (b)      The procedure for appointment and removal of personnel in the clerk's office shall be as provided by rules adopted by the Court of Appeals. Those rules may provide whether the positions shall be in the State Personnel Management System or in the personnel system of the Judicial Branch.

      (c)      The compensation for the positions in the clerk's office shall be set by the Chief Judge.