Faribault County is again paying for “professional services” while the search for an auditor/treasurer continues.
Commissioners recently approved a contract with former auditor/treasurer John Thompson, who resigned in July 2019 after serving 33 years.
“His contract is for two days per week plus lodging as needed to provide assistance,” says Commissioner Bill Groskreutz. “There’s no definite end date.”
Thompson, who now lives in South Dakota, will be paid $60 per hour.
Last month, the five-member board appointed Tammy Emery as an interim replacement for Amy Sathoff, who was hired last October.
Sathoff was terminated for not meeting performance criteria during her six-month probationary period.
In August 2023, commissioners approved paying Abdo Solutions of Mankato up to $175,000 for accounting services through the end of October after Darren Esser resigned in June.
Commissioners then decided the auditor/treasurer’s position should be appointed by the board rather than elected by voters.
During an October meeting, board members also approved paying Abdo Solutions up to $9,000 when they were trying to hire a human resources manager.
A data request form seeking information regarding the total dollar amount the county has paid Abdo and details of Thompson’s contract was submitted at the county coordinator’s office on April 18.