As used in this article, the following words shall have the following meanings:

(1) APPOINTING AUTHORITY. The sheriff, judge of probate, revenue commissioner, the county commission, or the county administrator authorized by the county commission to act in its behalf.

(2) APPOINTED CONTRACT EMPLOYEE. A limited class of employees who serves under contract with the county commission as specified in this article or other statute.

(3) APPOINTED EMPLOYEE. A limited class of employees who serves at the pleasure of a county department as designated in this article.

(4) BOARD. The Baldwin County Personnel Appeals Board.

(5) CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE. An individual who is assigned to a regular position authorized by the county commission whose salary is paid with funds allocated by the county commission and which initially includes a probationary period of not more than six months during which time a probationary employee is not a merit employee. Time spent in special training or education courses shall not be considered a part of the probationary period.

(6) COUNTY. Baldwin County.

(7) COUNTY COMMISSION. The governing body of Baldwin County or any succeeding governing body that may be established.

(8) DEPARTMENT HEAD. All persons having the authority to hire employees for the various departments of county government under their direct supervision or as may be authorized hereafter by the county commission.

(9) PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEE. An employee assigned to a classified position who has not achieved permanent status.