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, leave, 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 City Council provides by general ordinance that a particular superior or subordinate of such officer or employee shall act. The City Council, by general ordinance, may provide for a deputy to act in such cases.