§ 156. Deputy county executive. 1. The board of supervisors shall have power to authorize the county executive to appoint one or more deputy county executives. Every appointment of a deputy county executive shall be in writing filed and recorded in the office of the county clerk. Any such appointment may be revoked by the county executive at any time by filing a written revocation in the office of the county clerk.

2. A deputy county executive shall perform such duties pertaining to the office as may be directed by the county executive.

3. The deputy designated by the county executive for the purpose shall have the powers and perform the duties of the county executive during his absence or disability.

4. If more than one deputy county executive shall be appointed, the county executive shall designate in writing and file in the office of the county clerk and clerk of the board of supervisors the order in which such deputies shall exercise the powers and duties of the office in the event of the absence or inability of such county executive to perform the duties of the office.

5. The head of any department may be designated to serve as deputy county executive but without additional compensation. In the event that no deputy county executive has been appointed or designated, or in the event that the deputy appointed or person so designated is unable to serve, the board of supervisors shall designate the head of a department or other qualified person to perform the duties of the office during the absence or inability of the county executive.