Jan 16, 2025 - News

Polk administrator has a compensation clause if fired

Jason Clayworth

A photo of Polk County supervisors — John Norris, on the far left, attended the Jan. 2 Polk County Supervisors meeting where new supervisors were sworn into office. The next day, they asked him to resign. Screenshot via the Polk County meeting

Polk County Administrator John Norris may be entitled to six months compensation if he is ultimately fired after being placed on paid administrative leave earlier this month, according to records obtained by Axios.

Why it matters: Norris' leave is part of a transitional shift in power among newly elected supervisors that could cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.

Behind the scenes: The former Iowa Democratic Party chairperson has been the county's top manager since October 2020.

In 2021, Norris concluded that former HR director Jim Nahas mishandled an investigation into sexual harassment allegations against supervisor Matt McCoy, a Democrat.
McCoy denies the allegations and has assisted Nahas in an ongoing lawsuit against the county.

Driving the news: The election of two new Republican supervisors who took office Jan. 2 gave them the votes for McCoy to become chairperson of the five-person board. (Democrats Angela Connolly voted in favor of McCoy's appointment while Tom Hockensmith abstained.)

Newly elected supervisors Jill Altringer and Mark Holm asked for Norris' resignation on Jan. 3 and then collaborated with McCoy to place him on leave, the Register reports.

What they're saying: McCoy told Axios on Wednesday that the 2021 situation involving Nahas didn't play into the decision to seek Norris' resignation.

"I gathered from the new members that they wanted to get a fresh perspective and a new set of eyes on all of Polk County," McCoy said.
Norris was unavailable for comment Wednesday.

What's inside: Norris, who makes just over $274,000 a year, serves at the pleasure of supervisors and can be terminated for any reason at any time, according to the contract.

Yes, but: If terminated, Norris receives pay and benefits for six months unless he's fired for specific reasons outlined in the contract, including willful dishonesty or fraud.

The intrigue: Investigation into a Jan. 3 argument among supervisors about Norris' requested resignation that was reported to the Polk County Sheriff has been deferred to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) because of a conflict of interest, Capt. Ryan Evans tells Axios.

It is an active case, and no further details are being released at this time, DCI spokesperson Tawny Kruse tells Axios.

What's next: The county's HR and legal teams are reviewing the situation. McCoy told Axios there is no clear timeline for further action.

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Polk administrator has a compensation clause if fired

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