During any temporary absence of the borough attorney, the borough attorney, after consulting with the assembly, may designate an acting borough attorney to act with all of the powers, duties and obligations of that office, for a term not to exceed 30 days. In the event the borough attorney is incapacitated or is for any reason unable to make such an appointment, or is absent in excess of 30 days, the assembly shall appoint an acting borough attorney to act with all of the powers, duties and obligations of that office until the borough attorney returns to duty or until the position becomes permanently vacant.