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The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Monday reviewed a proposed employment agreement for an interim county administrator, including pay, benefits and other expectations in a special workshop.

The board at a previous meeting voted to move forward with Darrell Pettis as interim administrator.

Pettis is a former county administrator and engineer with experience in LeSueur and Watonwan counties. He will fill the opening left by former Freeborn County Administrator Ryan Rasmusson, who resigned to pursue another opportunity, as the county searches for a permanent administrator.

According to the potential agreement, Pettis will work as an employee of the county, rather than a contractor, and would make $130 per hour for 20 to 24 hours per week on Tuesday through Thursday of each week. Though he would not be at work the other days, he would be expected to be available via phone, email and text message.

The agreement also calls for $1,250 each month for a vehicle allowance for things such as mileage reimbursement and automobile costs. The commissioners said Pettis will be coming from about 70 miles away.

Regarding paid time off and holiday pay, the commissioners said Pettis would be treated the same as other part-time employees.

The commissioners discussed when to approve the final version of the agreement and noted they would also need to send the agreement to Pettis to see if he would agree to it as well.

Commissioner Chris Shoff recommended approving it at the meeting the following day, pending the approval of the county attorney.

Fifth District Commissioner Nicole Eckstrom said she would prefer to see it before she voted on it and recommended a special meeting on the day of their next workshop in a week, which would give time for the revisions.

The board ultimately decided it would review the agreement with the updates at its workshop next week and then vote at its board meeting the week after. This will also allow time for Pettis and the county’s attorneys to look at it as well.

The search for the permanent administrator ends on Nov. 8, and information about the candidates will be available to review at the Nov. 12 workshop.