Before entering upon the duties of his or her office, the director of the department shall take the oath of office prescribed by the constitution, and shall enter into bond conditioned as other official bonds are conditioned. The bond shall be in a sum as may be prescribed by the governing body of the county. The bonds shall be approved by the county governing body and filed with and recorded by the judge of probate of the county and may be made by a surety company or surety companies authorized by their charters to execute official bonds, provided they are qualified to do business in this state, or the bond may be made with individual sureties or banks or other corporations qualified to do business in this state and authorized under their charters to make bonds. All premiums on the bonds shall be paid out of the general fund of the county.
Ala. Code § 45-45-201.03 (1975)