By james art Durham County manager Kimberley Sowell has resigned after more than six weeks of unexplained paid leave.
County commissioners came out of closed session Monday night and voted unanimously to accept her resignation, effective immediately.
Chairwoman Nida Alam and District Attorney Larissa Williamson declined to answer any questions about the resignation Monday night, and Sowell’s resignation letter was not immediately available.
The same board members unanimously hired Sowell in early 2022. She went on leave Sept. 9, and district leaders have not said why she was on leave or if she will return.
The district also declined to provide any information about the type of leave Sowell will be on. Former Interim District Attorney Curtis Massey told The News & Observer earlier this month that Sowell’s leave was paid.
She was the county’s highest-paid employee and has received more than $35,000 in gross compensation since September.
Claudia Hager, a longtime county employee, will continue to serve as acting county manager.
It’s unclear what Sowell will receive if fired. Her contract says she will receive a year’s salary and benefits if fired, though no payment will be required if Sowell is convicted of a crime, neglects her duties or refuses to comply with county ordinances.
Sowell did not respond to The News & Observer’s attempts to reach her by phone, social media or email. She did not have access to her county email account.
Sowell earned an annual salary of at least $280,000 as of December, according to information provided by the state treasurer’s office. Sowell’s contract shows she also received $2,000 per month for housing and $600 per month for a vehicle.
This means that after going on leave, Sowell received over $35,000 in gross pay. The county has not yet responded to a records request seeking her current salary.
A State Bureau of Investigation spokesman said Sept. 26 that the agency was not involved. The Audit Chamber did not comment on whether an investigation had been initiated.