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Finance director requests short-term independent contractor agreement with former finance director
Summary
The county’s incoming finance director requested an independent contractor agreement with former finance director Cheryl Thomas to provide transition support through budget season and ongoing audits; commissioners discussed RSA pay limits and the contract’s up-to‑three‑year term with 30‑day termination.
Wanda, who identified herself as transitioning into the county’s finance director role, requested approval to contract with Cheryl Thomas, the former finance director, to provide training and support during the finance office transition and the upcoming budget season.
Wanda told commissioners multiple audits for FY2023 and FY2024 remain in process, along with bond reporting and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, and said Thomas has been assisting by phone and email. The proposed independent contractor agreement would make that assistance formal while the finance office completes audits and budget work.
A commissioner asked whether pay in the agreement is limited by Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) rules that restrict earnings for certain retirees; the attorney on the record confirmed the RSA limitation applies to reemployment by RSA agencies and that the contract reflects the allowable amount under RSA policy. Wanda said the contract term is for up to three years but can be terminated with 30 days’ notice by either party.
County counsel explained RSA rules limit what a retiree may earn when returning to work for RSA member agencies, and that if the retiree worked for a private company those limits would not apply. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the term and the 30‑day termination clause. No formal vote was recorded on the transcript; staff said the matter will return on the next agenda for formal action.
"She has been extremely helpful and available via phone and email. My goal is to try and get something a little bit more formal or official in place," Wanda said of Cheryl Thomas.
The transcript did not record the proposed contractor pay rate or the specific contract amount on the record.
