The provisions of Sections 14-2-50, 14-11-10 to 14-11-90; 14-11-310; 15-31-10 to 15-31-80; 15-39-380 to 15-39-400, and 15-39-490 shall not be construed as preventing a circuit court from appointing a special referee in the manner as provided in § 15-31-140. Special referees shall be compensated by the parties involved. Special referees shall have the same authority as masters-in-equity and shall be accountable to the appointing court.