The circuit solicitor of the fifth judicial circuit may appoint competent attorneys, who are residents of the circuit, as assistant solicitors who shall perform any and all of the duties and functions imposed by law upon the circuit solicitor as the solicitor shall authorize, designate and direct. The solicitor shall designate in which county of the circuit such assistant solicitors shall perform their duties. The assistant solicitors shall be appointed by the solicitor to serve for the same term as the solicitor. The assistant solicitors performing services in Kershaw County shall receive as compensation for their services such annual salary as may be provided by the Kershaw County Council and the assistant solicitors performing services in Richland County shall receive as compensation for their services such annual salary as may be provided by the Richland County Council.