NICOLLET COUNTY — Nicollet County commissioners unanimously accepted a separation agreement with county administrator Ryan Krosch and the resignation of human resources director/assistant county administrator Jamie Haefner Thursday.

Action came without discussion to accept Krosch’s separation agreement that he irrevocably and voluntarily resign effective March 23, 2021, motion by Commissioner Denny Kemp, seconded by Marie Dranttel.

According to the agreement, it is not considered an admission of wrongdoing on the part of Krosch or the County or any of its employees, officials, or agents.

The specific reason for the agreement is to resolve the employment relationship in an expeditious and amicable fashion.

Krosch will be paid 197.64 hours of vacation balance and 388.47 hours, (50% of 776.94 total hours) of sick leave severance at his regular pay rate of $74.41/hour totaling $43,612.45 to be paid with his final regular paycheck including March 23, 2021.

In addition, Krosch will be paid six months of his regular salary (until Sept. 23, 2021) at regular intervals coinciding with normal County payroll dates.

The county will continue a contribution to Krosch’s single HSA health insurance and single dental coverage until he obtains employment offering similar or greater insurance coverage, or a maximum of 12 months, whichever is less.

Haefner’s resignation was accepted without discussion on a motion by Kemp, seconded by Jack Kolars.

Commissioners unanimously approved:

• Appointing Nicollet County Property Services Director Mandy Landkamer as interim county administrator until a longer-term county administrator is found before a regular county administrator is hired, motion by Kolars, seconded by Dranttel.

“We’re grateful to have a person of Mandy’s caliber to take us to the next step,” Kolars said.

“We’re so grateful to have you Mandy. Thank you so much,” Commissioner Terry Morrow said to Landkamer.

• Appointing Nicollet County Public Services Manager Jaci Kopet as county board clerk, motion by Dranttel, seconded by Kolars.

• Authorizing the personnel committee to make hiring ans salary offers after consulting with department heads, pending hiring of a human resources director, motion by Kemp, seconded by John Luepke.

• Commissioner Kolars thanked county board members “for doing extraordinary things in an extraordinary time” regarding their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.