1. In every county of the second class which prior to January 2, 1979, had a court of common pleas, the county auditor shall maintain a branch office for the convenience of taxpayers in the city where the court of common pleas was located in addition to his office in the county if the county collector maintains a branch office in that city.

2. The county commission shall provide suitable office space and equipment for the office, and may require the office to be located in the same place as the branch collector’s office is located.

3. The auditor, subject to the approval of the county commission, shall employ necessary deputies, assistants, or clerks to operate the branch office, and shall fix their compensation which shall be paid from the county treasury in the same manner as other county employees are paid.

4. The auditor shall not receive any additional compensation for maintaining this branch office.