Every reporter or recorder may appoint 1 or more assistants who have first been approved by the circuit judge or judges and who shall qualify as reporters or recorders as prescribed in this statute. The assistant or additional reporter or recorder shall have the power to act in the place of the reporter or recorder and shall be paid by the reporter or recorder. The reporter or recorder or circuit judge shall have the power to revoke the appointment at any time. Whenever the chief or only judge of any judicial circuit deems it necessary for the dispatch of business of the court, he or she may authorize the reporter or recorder to employ 1 or more temporary assistants who shall receive compensation to be paid by the county, after the judge of the court certifies to the reasonableness of the compensation.