Richland County, SC (WLTX) - Richland County Council has voted to approve a $1 million settlement with former county administrator Gerald Seals.
The deal was approved Monday night after a nearly four hour long executive session behind closed doors. Council voted 5-4 to pass the agreement.
The settlement called for a year's salary of $184,000, with six months of health insurance as well as an $800,000 cash pay-out.
"I think what's in the best interest of those I represent is to support the motion, though I do not agree with everything in the motion, but to support the motion, because there is greater cause of moving forward as a county council and a county," says Councilman Calvin "Chip" Jackson, who voted for the settlement agreement. He was the only council member to address the vote last night.
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In a quick interview Tuesday morning, Councilman Norman Jackson, who voted against the settlement, explained he doesn't believe any employee who is caught sleeping on the job should be compensated.
Last month, Seals was fired twice over what some council members say was a difference of opinion and for allegedly sleeping on the job. Council voted 6-5 both on April 3rd and 9th to terminate his contract.
On April 14th Seals sent a letter to council saying he was simply praying with his eyes closed during a meeting and he was never made aware of a desire by council to let him go.
Seals did not have a comment on the settlement.