FARMVILLE — The Farmville Town Council has named N. Garrison “Gary” Elder as the town’s attorney.

Elder is a partner with Hawthorne & Hawthorne P.C., which has an office in downtown Farmville.

Andrea Erard, the town’s former attorney, resigned late last year, citing travel distance from her Richmond-based location.

According to Town Manager Gerald Spates, Elder will be paid $175 per hour for his services.

Elder was named town attorney effective Jan. 1, Spates said.

“It is the duty of the town attorney to be the legal advisor of the mayor, council, manager all departments, officers, boards, commissions and agencies of the town,” according to town documents. The attorney represents “the town in all litigation in which the town or any department, officers, boards, commissions and agency thereof, ordinances and resolutions for consideration by that body.”