The prosecuting attorney of any county in this state having a population of over 60,000 inhabitants and less than 350,000 inhabitants is hereby authorized and empowered to appoint a second assistant prosecuting attorney, by and with the consent of the circuit judge or the presiding circuit judge of the judicial circuit in which such county may be situated, which appointment shall be in writing and filed with the clerk of his county.

     Any such assistant prosecuting attorney shall hold his office during the pleasure of the prosecuting attorney appointing him, perform any and all duties pertaining to the office of prosecuting attorney at such time or times as he may be required so to do by the prosecuting attorney and during the absence or disability from any cause of the prosecuting attorney, but he shall be subject to all the legal disqualifications and disabilities of the prosecuting attorney, and shall before entering upon the duties of his office, take and subscribe to oath of office prescribed by the constitution of this state and file the same with the county clerk of his county. Any such assistant prosecuting attorney shall be allowed by the county for his services such reasonable compensation as the board of supervisors shall determine.

     This act shall not be construed as repealing any general or local act heretofore passed providing for the appointment, powers, duties or compensation of assistant prosecuting attorneys of any counties.