Full severance indicates council asked Henessee to resign

Former Clark County Manager Shawn Henessee will receive a full severance package after resigning last week, indicating that he was asked by the Clark County Council to step down.

Henessee notified the council on Thursday of his resignation, and councilors accepted it following an executive session the next morning. He will receive six months’ salary and has the option of continuing the county’s contributions toward his health insurance during that time period, according to a memo sent Friday by Interim County Manager Kathleen Otto and obtained through a public records request.

It was not immediately clear Friday whether Henessee had offered the resignation on his own or if the council had requested it. But the memo cites a section of Henessee’s contract that establishes the severance package if he is terminated by the council, including any requests for him to resign.

The severance package entitles Henessee to an $85,000 lump sum as well as the health insurance coverage, unless he obtains other insurance.

It remains unclear, exactly, why councilors would ask for his resignation or how many supported the request. When prompted, several councilors declined to provide specifics.

Earlier this year, councilors offered mixed opinions about Henessee’s status with the county after a recent job interview for a city administrator position in Joplin, Mo.

The council hired Henessee in June 2018, agreeing to a three-year contract. His first performance evaluation was completed in November.

The evaluation complimented Henessee’s management of financial matters and ability to form relationships with other organizations. It criticized his handling of workplace culture, communication and public interactions.

The council will begin a search for a permanent county manager, a process that may be delayed due to the county’s response to COVID-19. Councilor Gary Medvigy said Tuesday that the council has not discussed next steps in the county manager search.