The attorney serves as civil counsel to the county and shall:
(1) appear in, prosecute, and defend each civil action in which the county is a party;
(2) prosecute, either directly or through a private contract for debt collection, each action for the recovery of debts, fines, penalties, and forfeitures accruing to the county;
(3) prosecute each appeal regarding a civil counsel's duties or functions in which the county is a party;
(4) act as the civil legal advisor to the county; and
(5) attend the meetings and hearings of the county legislative body as necessary.