It would have cost the county about the same amount to keep him on staff through his December 2026 contract.
Catch up quick: Norris, a former Iowa Democratic Party chairperson, was hired as the county's top manager in October of 2020.
The position directly answers to the five-member board of supervisors.
Two new Republican supervisors asked Norris to resign a day after they took office in January and then collaborated with chairperson and Democrat Matt McCoy to place him on paid administrative leave.
Friction point: Norris concluded in 2021 that former HR director Jim Nahas mishandled an investigation into sexual harassment allegations from a county employee against McCoy.
McCoy denied wrongdoing and described the allegations and investigation to Axios at the time as politically motivated.
State of play: Supervisors did not publicly accuse Norris of wrongdoing.
In January, McCoy told Axios they were seeking "a fresh perspective and a new set of eyes on all of Polk County" and denied that the 2021 investigation was linked with his support for ousting Norris.
Norris this year claimed that board members engaged in unlawful discrimination and retaliation against him, which the county denied, according to the settlement agreement.
Zoom in: Norris will be considered on a paid leave of absence and receive his $274,000 annual salary through March 6, 2026.
Other expenses include health insurance benefits, a $70,000 lump-sum payment and 25 days of accrued vacation time starting in July.
What they're saying: Norris told Axios Tuesday that he could not comment, citing a non-disparagement agreement in the settlement.
Supervisors unanimously agreed to the settlement without commenting.
