Commission approves administrator contract

Jeff Massey will continue serving as the Washington County administrator.

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners approved a contract for Massey  by a 3-2 vote during a meeting on Thursday, Sept. 21. 

Massey has been in the position since July 2017.

Under the approved agreement, Massey’s contract continues through 2025. He will receive a salary of $99,985.60. 

“The Board agrees to employ Mr. Massey as the County Administrator of the County on an ‘at will’ basis and at the pleasure of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, until such time as his employment is terminated by the Board or he resigns as County Administrator,†the agreement said.

Should the board wish to terminate Massey’s contract without cause, there would have to be “reasonable prior notice of calling such a vote†provided to Massey.

“Reasonable prior notice for purposes of this agreement only is defined as not less than 72 hours notice before any meeting at which the question of termination will be discussed is called to order,†the agreement said.

The termination date would then be “not less than 30 days following the vote.â€

Massey would receive a severance payment equal to his salary and benefits for five months and lump sum payments for unused leave and sick hours, as well as continuation of health insurance coverage at county expense  for 150 calendar days following termination.

Non-renewal of a contract is not considered employment termination.

Should Massey’s contract be terminated with cause–reasons which would include “gross negligence in the handling of County affairs†or “willful violation of the provisions of lawâ€â€“the board can approve severance pay but is not obligated to the extent as if he were let go without cause. 

Massey must provide “not less than 60 days’ written notice prior to the effective date of any voluntary resignation, unless the parties agree otherwise†if he wishes to voluntarily resign.