§ 158-a. Appointment of calendar clerk for Dutchess county in the ninth judicial district. The justices of the supreme court for the ninth judicial district, or the majority of them, may appoint and may at pleasure remove a calendar clerk in and for the county of Dutchess. No person shall be eligible to such appointment unless he shall be a resident elector of the county of Dutchess. His qualifications and fitness for the office shall be determined and approved by the justices making the appointment. He shall have charge of all the calendars of the supreme court in and for said county and shall be governed by and have such powers as are provided by the rules and/or regulations adopted from time to time in accordance with statute. The board of supervisors of Dutchess county shall fix the salary of such clerk and may authorize him to employ within the appropriations made by said board, such clerical force or other assistants as it shall determine.