When the amount of bail has been fixed either by the court or by the uniform schedule of bail, it may be taken by the clerk of the court in which the defendant is held to appear. Another bonded public officer shall be authorized by the chief judge of the circuit court to take bail. The authorized bonded public officer shall take bail when the clerk of the court is unavailable. The individual with whom deposits are made shall ascertain that the amount deposited is no less than the amount fixed by the court.