Mo. Rev. Stat. § 57.250

57.250. Appointment of deputies — compensation — duty of circuit judges — presiding judge may order additional deputies, when — provisions of law to apply (third and fourth class counties). — The sheriff in counties of the third and fourth classifications shall be entitled to such number of deputies and assistants, to be appointed by such official, with the approval of a majority of the circuit judges of the circuit court, as such judges shall deem necessary for the prompt and proper discharge of such sheriff's duties relative to the enforcement of the criminal law of this state. Such judges of the circuit court, in their order permitting the sheriff to appoint deputies or assistants, shall fix the compensation of such deputies or assistants. The circuit judges shall annually review their order fixing the number and compensation of the deputies and assistants and in setting such number and compensation shall have due regard for the financial condition of the county. Each such order shall be entered of record and a certified copy thereof shall be filed in the office of the county clerk at least fifteen days prior to the date of the adoption of the county budget as prescribed by section 50.610 . The sheriff may at any time discharge any assistant and may regulate the time of such person's employment. A deputy sheriff as the term deputy sheriff is defined under section 57.015 shall hold office pursuant to the provisions of sections 57.015 and 57.275 . At the request of the sheriff, the presiding judge may order additional deputies in cases where exigent or emergency circumstances require the need for such additional deputies.

(L. 1945 p. 1547 § 2, L. 1945 p. 1562 § 2, A. 1949 H.B. 2015, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1634, A.L. 1995 H.B. 274 & 268 merged with S.B. 352, A.L. 1998 S.B. 659, A.L. 2014 H.B. 1665 & 1335 merged with S.B. 745)