SALISBURY — The Rowan County commissioners on Monday extended County Manager Aaron Church’s contract for another three years at his current yearly salary — $150,977.

Church first became county manager in 2014, after the retirement of Gary Page. He came to Rowan from Yadkin County, where he was also the county manager.

He was hired on a three-year contract and received a five-year extension in 2016 at a yearly salary of $139,550. Cost-of-living increases have brought Church to his current salary.

While Church’s current contract had not expired, with 27 months left, commissioners on Monday gave him an extension until Jan. 1, 2025. That vote came after a brief closed session and after a hearing on a solar farm project produced a four-hour meeting.

Rowan County government is fortunate to have Church as its manager, Commissioners Chairman Greg Edds said.

“Aaron Church is a professional and highly capable manager,” Edds told the Post. “He continues to provide excellent leadership to our county departments, works to improve services and operational efficiencies across the county and is a consistent and trusted source of knowledge and advice for the Board of Commissioners.”

Church said he’s grateful for the opportunity that live and work in Rowan County.

“I appreciate the board extending my employment agreement and I look forward to serving the citizens of Rowan County for many years to come,” Church said in an email.

Church said Monday his extension doesn’t increase or decrease any parts of his compensation. Church will receive $500 per year for travel expenses and would receive 180 days of separation pay if his contract were terminated.