RICHLAND COUNTY, SC — Richland County’s new administrator will earn $181,000 a year, plus a car allowance.

Thursday, the county released its newly signed, three-year contract with Tony McDonald, outlining the compensation package that starts Jan. 1.

Councilman Greg Pearce said $6,000 of the salary covers the administrator’s privately purchased life and disability insurance premium. McDonald will receive an additional $9,000-a-year vehicle allowance.

The nine-page contract stipulates that the council will “informally” evaluate the administrator’s performance on an ongoing basis but may choose to hold more formal evaluations. McDonald will be paid a year’s salary if he is terminated before the end of the contract.

-- Dawn Hinshaw