The county or district appraiser appointed under the provisions of this act shall have all the powers and duties vested in and imposed upon county assessors by law except as otherwise provided herein. From and after the effective date of this act any reference in the Kansas Statutes Annotated or amendments thereto to the “assessor” or “county assessor” or words of similar import shall be construed as referring to the “county appraiser” or “district appraiser.” He shall appoint deputy appraisers and fix their salaries with the consent and approval of the board of county commissioners or district board. Each deputy appraiser, before entering upon the duties of his office, shall take and subscribe to an oath in like manner as that provided for the county or district appraiser. With the consent and approval of the board of county commissioners or district board, he may appoint such specialized help as he may need to properly assess specific properties and may pay them such compensation as the board of county commissioners or district board shall provide. The board of county commissioners or district board shall furnish him necessary office space and such clerical help as may be needed to carry out the duties of his office.