The register of deeds, or such other county officer or employee as the board of county commissioners shall designate in accordance with the provisions of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 153-40, shall be ex officio clerk of the board of county commissioners, and as such shall perform the duties imposed by law or by order of said board. (Const., art. 7, s. 2; 1868, c. 35, s. 15; Code, s. 3656; Rev., s. 2666; C.S., s. 3562; 1955, c. 247, s. 2.)