As used in this article, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:
(1) APPOINTMENT AUTHORITY. In the case of employees in the offices of the elected officials of the county, such elected officials, and in the case of all other county or municipal employees, the county governing body, or the board or other agency supervising their work.
(2) BOARD.
(3) COUNTY. Fayette County.
(4) EMPLOYEE. Any law enforcement officer, radio operator, jailer, and law enforcement support personnel, not excepted by Section 45-29-120.02, who is employed in the service of Fayette County or any board, agency, or instrumentality thereof.
(5) MERIT EMPLOYEE. Any such employee who shall have completed one year of probationary employment.