Harrell said she chose not to re-elect longtime county attorney Patrick Jaugstetter in the post because she wanted to take a different direction.

“Sometimes you have to make a fresh start,” she said.

Rowan most recently served as the Fulton County Assistant District Attorney and Assistant District Attorney in the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.

According to Rowan’s biography, she practiced law for over 15 years with experience representing local governments in carrying out day-to-day operations, drafting local ordinances, negotiating and drafting contracts, and complying with regulations. zoning laws and code enforcement.

Harrell said she was impressed with Rowan’s credentials, adding that she was highly respected and had a lot of experience dealing with the county government.

“She has new eyes and no attachment to Henry County,” said Harrell. “Sometimes a new leadership, in our case a new county attorney, can help make sure we’re moving in the right direction and help us do what we need to do for the county.”

Rowan will be responsible for providing the following services:

• Attend meetings of the Council of Commissioners and other county councils or agencies as directed by the county;

• Provide legal advice, orally or in writing, in response to inquiries from BOC members, department heads, elected officials and constitutional officers;

• Write and revise ordinances, resolutions and policies requested by the county;

• Deal with all legal matters affecting the county that are not specifically assigned to other attorneys;

• Draft, review and / or approve county contracts and agreements;

• Represent the Henry County Council of Tax Assessors in litigation related to the appeal of ad valorem tax assessments;

• Monitor and supervise claims and lawsuits assigned to other lawyers;

• Represent the county, county officials, employees and constitutional agents in disputes relating to the performance of official duties not otherwise dealt with by county insurance policies;

• Plan and conduct training sessions for county employees at the county’s request;

• Approve and appoint all associate or co-county lawyers.

The cost of the services is $ 34,500 per month.

Jaugstetter’s monthly fee was $ 17,500 per month, not including billable hours to perform services outside the scope of his contract.

Harrell said that over the past year, Jaugstetter’s average monthly bill was around $ 35,000.

She said she hoped to save the county money by expanding Rowan’s responsibilities to reduce additional monthly billable hours.

Harrell will introduce Rowan at the next regular Council of Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, January 5 starting at 9 a.m.

The council of commissioners, with a majority vote, has 30 days to oppose the selection of Harrell. If that were to happen, Harrell will have to choose a new county attorney.