New York Consolidated Laws, Surrogate's Court Procedure Act - SCP § 1206. Staff;  offices;  counsel

1. Each public administrator, except in the counties of Erie and Onondaga, shall appoint such assistants and employees at such compensation as may be provided by the board of supervisors of his county.

2. Each such county except Erie, Monroe and Onondaga shall provide suitable office space, accommodations and storage space for its public administrator which shall be located conveniently to the court.  The board of supervisors of the counties of Monroe and Onondaga may allow the public administrator a reasonable amount for the operation of his office and any allowance presently provided by the board shall continue unless modified or altered by it.

3. Each public administrator may employ counsel in any estate, whose fees and expenses therein shall be approved by the court of his county and shall be charged against the estate.

4. The court may deputize any assistant or employee in the office of the public administrator or other suitable person to hold the title of deputy public administrator who shall perform in the absence of the public administrator such services and shall possess such powers as may be prescribed and vested in him by the court.  The deputy public administrator so appointed shall continue in office until removed by the court.  In case of vacancy in office for any cause the court may fill it by appointing a suitable assistant or employee as deputy public administrator to take office immediately upon his appointment and qualification.  The appointment shall be in writing and shall be filed in the office of the court.  Except in the counties of Erie and Onondaga such deputy public administrator shall not receive any extra compensation for acting unless authorized by the board of supervisors.