Grand Traverse County commissioners unanimously approved contract terms with incoming county administrator Tom Menzel Wednesday night. Menzel - who is transitioning out of his role as executive director of Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) - offered to receive $1/month in salary beginning today (Thurs, Oct. 8) through February 15, after which time he would begin receiving an annual salary of $92,500. Menzel's contract is good through Dec. 31, 2018. Other contract terms include:

> Four weeks of vacation as well as holiday pay annually
> $100/month cell phone allowance
> $500/month car allowance
> Annual end-of-year performance review
> In the event of resignation, Menzel would provide the county with a minimum 45 days' written notice. In the event of retirement, Menzel would provide the county with a minimum 90 days' written notice. In the event of termination, Menzel requested three months' severance pay, with a clause that such severance pay be donated to the Irv & Emily Menzel Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for Central High School students going into the field of education.

Menzel told commissioners Wednesday that he had requested that November 16 be his final day at BATA, after which time he could join the county full-time. Chair Christine Maxbauer noted that the contract date began today rather than November 17 so that the county could "give Mr. Menzel authority to begin making decisions immediately." She continued: "We are in the process of hiring an HR director; we would like Mr. Menzel's input as to who he believes would be a good choice. We would also like his input regarding a new facilities director."

County commissioners will discuss appointing Menzel (or a staff representative of Menzel's) to various county board and committee openings typically held by the county administrator at their resource management and administration committee meeting next Wednesday at 6pm at the Governmental Center.