County Commissioners Approve County Administrator’s Contract

County Commissioners approved the employment contract for new County Administrator Steven Norwood.

Although the administrator position is similar to a city manager position, county commissioners must still approve major spending decisions.

“I think it’s a step in making it more effective year after year,” said newly-elected County Commissioner, Andrew Haggerty, who said he looks forward to Norwood helping “de-politicize” decisions by bringing his knowledge to the position.

“The only problem with politicians is we come from all different walks of life,” added Haggerty, “Some of us may not have the understanding of how to do budgets.”

ABC-7 obtained a copy of the employment agreement and learned the county can fire Norwood at any time. A clause in the contract states Norwood “shall serve at the pleasure of the Commissioners Court, and the court may terminate the chief administrator’s employment at any time, for any reason.”

Norwood will be making $191,000 a year and there are several options as far as his severance pay, vacations, moving expenses and other benefits.

Under the agreement, the county will pay professional fees for Norwood’s membership in the International City/County Management Association and at least one other professional association.

Norwood will be entitled to 20 days of vacation leave and 15 days for sick leave annually. Norwood’s vacation days will accrue at a rate of 20 days a year, but will be capped at 40 days, according to the contract. His sick leave days will accrue at a rate of 15 days per year, but will be capped at 90 days.

The county also agreed to reimburse Norwood up to $13,000 for moving expenses.

Norwood’s first day on the job will be January 18th.