Sogndal's municipal director Tor-Einar Holvik Skinlo secured a 4.5 million kroner severance agreement following a council meeting. The 42-year-old will receive salary continuation for two and a half years after leaving his position.
The municipality has experienced deep conflict between Mayor Stig Ove Ølmheim and Director Skinlo for several years. The mayor admitted to secretly recording the director and other local politicians.
Skinlo initially wanted to continue as municipal director, according to his lawyer Tor Erik Heggøy. Heggøy stated the working relationship deteriorated to the point where change became necessary.
"Skinlo finds it regrettable to resign but thanks the mayor for ultimately facilitating this solution," the lawyer said in a statement. He maintained there was no legal basis for termination and called the compensation acknowledgment of unfair treatment.
The four-hour council debate occurred behind closed doors with media waiting outside. Council member Rita Navarsete told local press she preferred immediate dismissal with only three months' severance.
"We still believe our proposal was best, though we accept the vote against us. This will be very expensive for our community," Navarsete said.
Multiple council members expressed hope for calmer times ahead. "I believe and hope for peace so we can focus on policy work rather than conflicts," said council representative Laila Wigum.
The deputy mayor reportedly refused to meet alone with the mayor during the conflict period. Local accounts described hidden recordings, gossip, and a culture of fear within municipal operations.
This expensive settlement highlights how personality conflicts can drain public resources even when legal wrongdoing remains unproven. The community now faces the dual challenge of healing divisions while justifying substantial taxpayer expenditure on administrative turnover.