The appointing or electing authority who may appoint or elect the successor of an officer or employee, may appoint or elect a person to act during the temporary absence, disability or suspension of such officer or employee, or, in case of a vacancy, until a successor is appointed or elected and qualifies, unless the council ordains that a particular superior or subordinate of such officer or employee shall act. The council by ordinance may provide for a deputy to act in such cases.