The judges of the Court of Civil Appeals are authorized to appoint and employ a clerk. The clerk so appointed by the court may be removed at any time for cause, to be determined by the court and entered at length on its record. The salary of the clerk shall be fixed under the provisions of the merit system in the top pay range of the highest classification of attorneys in the classified service, and said salary shall be payable as the salaries of other state officials are paid. The clerk is authorized to appoint and employ such additional employees as may be required by him to adequately operate the office of clerk. Each judge of the Court of Civil Appeals is hereby authorized to appoint and employ a confidential secretary who shall serve at the pleasure of the judge and shall be subject to the Merit System Act only as to the pay plan.