Washtenaw County finalizes $155,000 contract with new administrator

Verna McDaniel

As deputy administrator, McDaniel earned an annual salary of $144,234. Guenzel earned $159,424.

Guenzel retires effective May 14. He has served as county administrator for more than 15 years.

The approved employment agreement with McDaniel allows the county board of commissioners to increase McDaniel's base salary and other benefits based upon an annual salary and performance review.

Her contract also provides the exclusive and unrestricted use of a county-provided automobile. The county also has agreed to pay for various professional dues and her travel to participate in national, state, regional and local associations and organizations.

Because McDaniel is expected to spend a lot of time outside of normal office hours conducting county business, her contract allows her to "take time off as she deems appropriate during normal office hours." But her contract restricts her from spending more than 10 hours per week doing paid work outside of her county duties.

McDaniel will be reimbursed up to $3,000 per year for job-affiliated expenses under her contract.

McDaniel has worked for the county for the last 28 years, most of that as human resources director. As deputy administrator since 2007, she has served as the county's chief operations officer, directing and managing 35 departments with 1,400 employees and a $200 million annual budget.

Click here to read the resolution regarding Verna McDaniel

Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.