County administrator fired by commissioners
by Karin L. Nauber
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| Mike Petersen's employment was terminated by the commissioners on October 22. |
No one will or is able to say why yet, but on a four to one vote, the Todd County Commissioners terminated the employment of Administrator Mike Petersen during a meeting held on Monday, October 22. Commissioner Randy Neumann voted against termination.
Human Resources Director Karla Nalezny said that this was "nothing criminal whatsoever," when asked after the meeting.
Because the situation has not yet reached its final disposition, County Labor Attorney Kristi Hastings said that she could not say anything yet beyond what the resolution related to Petersen's termination stated.
The resolution reads: Whereas, information has been brought to the attention of this board concerning County Administrator Michael Petersen relative to the potential need for disciplinary action, and concerns raised by the board regarding Mr. Petersen's fit with the county; and whereas, this board, prior to making any decisions, has had an opportunity to review and/or had summarized for it Mr. Petersen's personnel file, copies of complaints received from employees of Todd County, and an investigative report prepared related to these complaints, along with the board's personal interactions with Mr. Petersen; and whereas, Mr. Petersen is a probationary employee with the county. His employment agreement with the county provides that Mr. Petersen can be terminated "at any time and for any reason" during his probationary period. As a result of information received by the board, this board notes and recognizes substantial concerns related to Mr. Petersen in his role as county administrator. Therefore be it resolved, that, based upon information received and reviewed by this board, this board hereby approves, effective immediately, the termination of Michael Petersen from his employment with Todd County, and, further, that Mark Blessing, on behalf of the board, is directed to communicate in writing and orally to Mr. Petersen the resolution of this board to terminate his employment and to pay Mr. Petersen one month pay as severance, as required by the employment agreement between Mr. Petersen and Todd County.