The Cullman County Commission hired Chad Floyd as its new county attorney Tuesday, replacing outgoing Heath Meherg who left recently to go into private practice.

Floyd brings nearly 10 years of legal experience to the position, with experience in criminal defense and civil litigation. He also represents the Cullman County Department of Human Resources (DHR). Floyd will retain his private practice and work for the county on an hourly basis as needed.

“I’m honored to be asked, and I look forward to serving the county commission and the citizens of Cullman County,” he said.

Floyd attended his first meeting Tuesday for the commission and will be a staple at all work sessions and regular meetings going forward. His pay was set at $150 per hour, and Floyd will turn in monthly invoices to the commission for payment.

Floyd earned his juris doctorate degree from Mississippi College and was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2006.

Meherg resigned his position effective August 31 to join Griffith Lowry, however he continued to provide legal services on a per-hour basis. Meherg was hired by the commission in November 2012 with an annual salary of $120,000, according to his contract.

The county created the position in 2012 in an effort to avoid paying costly hourly legal fees. According to his contract, the county had paid more than $153,000 for legal services, excluding settlements, prior to hiring Meherg.