ESCANABA — The Delta County Board of Commissioners approved a contract Tuesday that will be offered to Emily DeSalvo, the county’s former administrator whose termination in 2023 became the reason for a recall that removed three county commissioners and paved the way for the current class of commissioners to lead the county.

DeSalvo was originally hired to serve as the county’s administrator in 2019 after a stint working for the Delta County District Court. In February of 2023 she spoke at a Delta County Board of Commissioners meeting, claiming three of the then-seated commissioners had engaged in unethical, self-serving and disrespectful behavior, which included failing to explain low scores she had been given on an annual review.

The three commissioners who were the subject of DeSalvo’s statement — Dave Moyle (R), Bob Barron (R), and Bob Petersen (R) — voted to terminate DeSalvo’s contract immediately after she finished making it. The commissioners repeatedly pointed to the statement as the reason for DeSalvo’s firing, arguing it was insubordination. They also argued that comments she made about serving at the board’s pleasure and suggesting the commissioners only communicate with her in writing showed both a desire to be terminated and an unwillingness to work with the board.

While the former commissioners were not entirely without support for the move to terminate DeSalvo in 2023, many Delta County voters were outraged by the dismissal, believing her criticisms of the commissioners were justified and her firing was unwarranted. Recall organizers and voters often pointed to other controversial statements and actions made by the commissioners, but it was DeSalvo’s termination that was the stated reason for the recall on the petitions that were signed by thousands of Delta County voters.

When DeSalvo was terminated on Feb. 7, 2023, only the three recalled commissioners voted to terminate her — now-Board Chair John Malnar (R) and then-Commissioner Steve Viau (R) voted against the decision. Under the contract approved Tuesday, that vote would not have been enough to remove DeSalvo from her post. The document now requires a super majority of 4 out of 5 commissioners to vote for her dismissal.

Changes have also been made to the terms of her severance package. Community members who supported DeSalvo’s termination — or oppose her rehire — raised concerns about the terms of DeSalvo’s prior severance package, which Barron has said cost the county more than $50,000 while speaking as a private citizen during public comment at past board meetings. Now, DeSalvo would be paid $10,000 and offered one month of insurance if she was terminated by the county without cause. The new contract requires that the $10,000 severance be repaid if DeSalvo is hired in a supervisory role within three years of being dismissed.

DeSalvo’s starting salary for the position would be $100,000 under the contract, though she would be eligible for cost of living increases annually. The contract also includes a $20,000 life insurance policy paid for by the county, health insurance — or a $575 monthly stipend if she has other insurance — vision, dental, and the option for a health savings account that the county would contribute $3,500 to annually or pay $3,000 to DeSalvo directly. Also included is a defined contribution retirement account that the county will contribute 10% of her salary into plus up to a 5% match based on DeSalvo’s own contributions.

To assist with day-to-day duties, the county would pay DeSalvo a $100 mileage allowance for travel within Delta County or adjacent counties. She would also receive a cell phone, a tablet and a laptop computer that would “primarily be used for work, but for connivence, may also be used for personal use.”

The meeting was also the last for Delta County Administrator Ashleigh Young, who is leaving the administrator’s post to become the full-time manager of the Delta County Airport. All of the commissioners thanked Young for her time in the role, and many expressed excitement about the direction the airport will go under her leadership.

Young also thanked the county for her experience as the county’s leader.

“It has been an immense privilege to serve this community in the role of county administrator,” Young said during her final administrator’s report. “I have profoundly appreciated the collaboration, unwavering dedication, and steadfast support from each and every one of you. Delta County is truly fortunate to have such hardworking employees and elected officials who consistently go above and beyond for our community.”

Young held many hats while serving as the administrator, including being the county’s controller, human resources manager and interim airport manager. Unlike Young, DeSalvo will not be serving as the county’s controller, as the county intends to hire a second employee to handle those responsibilities.