(a) In Dale County, effective beginning with the general election in November 2012 and every four years thereafter, the Chair of the Dale County Commission shall be elected from the county at large. The first term of the chair after the general election in 2012 shall commence at the conclusion of the term of the judge of probate serving on February 23, 2010. Thereafter, the judge of probate shall no longer serve as chair of the county commission. The first chair elected from the county at large shall serve until a successor is elected and qualified. Succeeding terms of the chair of the county commission shall commence in November at the same time the term of the county commission commences as provided by general law. The chair of the county commission shall thereafter serve for a term of four years and shall serve until a successor is elected and qualified. The chair of the county commission shall be a resident and qualified elector of the county. The chair of the county commission shall serve full time and shall receive a salary in the amount of forty thousand dollars ($40,000) per year payable in equal monthly installments. In addition, the chair shall receive a monthly expense allowance in the amount of three hundred dollars ($300) per month and the same travel expenses and health insurance benefits payable to other members of the county commission. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the commission, but may designate another member of the commission to serve as chair in his or her absence.

(b) This section shall not affect the salary of the Judge of Probate of Dale County during the term of the judge which ends on January 20, 2013. Effective beginning the next term of office, the judge of probate shall receive the salary provided by law.