As used in this part, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) APPOINTING AUTHORITY. In the case of employees in the offices of the elected officials of the county, such elected officials, and means, in the case of all other county employees, the county governing body, or the board or other agency supervising their work.
(2) BOARD. The personnel board created by this part.
(3) COUNTY. Marshall County, Alabama.
(4) EMPLOYEE. Any person, including law enforcement officers, not excepted by Section 45-48-121.02, who is employed in the service of Marshall County or any board, agency, or instrumentality thereof.
(5) MERIT EMPLOYEE. Any employee who has completed his or her six months of probationary employment.