Commission approves 4-year contract with County Manager

After an overall performance evaluation that meets, and in several areas exceeds, expectations, the Lyon County Commission approved a four-year contract with County Manager Andrew Haskin.

The performance evaluation was presented to the commission by Human Resources Director Ben Evans, who said each commissioner was asked to complete the evaluation, including written comments and goals, across several key areas of performance.

“The evaluation instrument is categorical rather than numeric, and after reviewing the evaluations individually and as a compiled review, the overall results reflect a performance that meets and in several areas exceeds expectations,” Evans said.

Evans said specifically, several commissioners noted strong accessibility, responsiveness and preparedness, including proactive communication and availability beyond normal business hours.

“There’s consistent positive feedback regarding financial stewardship, long-term planning and protecting taxpayers’ resources, along with identified opportunities for earlier communication on critical issues,” Evans said.

Evans said the outcome of the evaluation makes Haskin eligible for a merit increase, if the board approves. As part of the evaluation, the commission approved a 2.5-percent merit increase, which is included in the starting base salary of $226,980.54 in Haskin’s new contract.

Compared to the current contract, the proposed agreement extends the term from three years to four years and adjusts the severance period from six months to nine months in the event of termination without cause.

Commissioner Scott Keller questioned whether the county would still have to pay the severance if Haskin was fired and then took another job as a county manager.

Haskin said the clause only applies to termination without cause.

“I have no intention of going to another county and becoming a county manager somewhere else,” he said. “I built my house here, I plan on staying here in Lyon County. It takes a bit of time to find another job, so that’s what that’s really about.”