Bobby Roberson, Washington’s interim city manager will be paid $2,000 a week, with a cap of $51,000 for the remainder of this year.

Washington’s City Council, after emerging from a closed session during its meeting Monday, unanimously approved an employment contract between Roberson and the city. Should Roberson reach that maximum before Dec. 31 of this year, he agrees to work until Dec. 31 without pay until the contract is terminated or a new city manager begins work, according to the contract. If Roberson continues to work as interim city manager after Dec. 31, he will continue to be paid $2,000 a week.

Roberson will be furnished a city-owned vehicle and provided a cellphone for conducting city business while serving as interim city manager. Roberson will be reimbursed by the city for any necessary and reasonable lodging, meal and incidental expenses related to his employment.

Roberson is not entitled to city employee benefits such as vacation, sick leave and holiday pay, according to the contract.

Because he retired under the state’s retirement system, Roberson is limited in the amount of income he can earn each year.

The contract calls for Roberson to work “normal business hours” and be available by telephone for consultation and advice on the days he is not physically working in the city. Roberson also agrees to respond in the event of emergencies.

Roberson, who had been serving as the city’s mayor pro tempore, was hired by the council as interim city manager during the council’s June 8 meeting, when the council accepted Roberson’s resignation from the council. The vote was unanimous. Roberson takes the manager’s seat vacated by Brian Alligood, who took over as Beaufort County manager Monday.

Roberson is a former Washington planning director. During his 38 years of working in local governments, Roberson served as assistant city manager in Wilson.

Roberson said he plans to serve as interim city manager for only six months. Before the June 8 meeting, Roberson said he would not run for a seat on the council if he were hired as interim city manager.

The council may choose anyone it wants to replace Roberson on the council, as long as that person lives within the city limits and meets other qualifications to hold public office. The council does not have to choose someone who ran in the last municipal election.