CONCORD, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- Cabarrus County is paying out nearly half a million dollars to the first county manager commissioners fired earlier this year.

Queen City News received a copy of the $489,000 settlement agreement between the county and former County Manager Mike Downs, who worked for the county for 40 years.

Commissioners fired Downs in January, claiming he did not disclose that a building the county bought was valued at just over half of its purchase price.

Downs' lawyer claims that information was disclosed to leaders.

On Aug. 18, commissioners fired the man who replaced Downs, Sean Newton.

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