ANDERSON, S.C. - The Oconee County supervisor who has spent a year facing a criminal investigation has agreed to resign in exchange for all embezzlement and misconduct charges against her being dropped.

But she will begin a new $50,000-a-year contract with the county, making sure buildings comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Suspended supervisor Ann Hughes was reinstated by executive order Monday after the charges against her were dropped. She is expected to resign at Tuesday's County Council meeting.

In addition to agreeing to resign, she was required to write a "letter of contrition" for her actions while in office. In return, the Oconee County Council agreed to award Hughes a three-year contract to bring local government buildings in compliance with the ADA.

Hughes said Monday she has no experience dealing with the act's regulations, but she said she wants to continue working for the county.

Oconee County voters have changed their system of government, making Hughes the last county administrator elected to office.

"I am thankful this is over," Hughes said after court had adjourned. "I hold no grudges, and I am excited to start a new work opportunity."

Prosecutor Bob Ariail said he agreed to the deal because it removes Hughes from office and from "any position of fiscal or supervisory responsibility."

In February, Hughes was found innocent of separate charges that she made unauthorized phone calls while employed at Clemson University, before becoming county supervisor. Later that month, she paid the school $387.95 for calls she made during a two-year period.

Hughes was indicted for the phone calls after she was indicted on embezzlement and misconduct in office charges in Oconee County. She was accused of using county money to pay for personal items on trips, to pay for a family member to stay in a hotel and to make personal phone calls on a government-issued cell phone.

County officials agreed the settlement was best for everyone.

"The trial would have pushed this county backwards," County Attorney Brad Norton said. "We've got a lot of irons in the fire. Had this trial gone on, it would have caused some things to stop."

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Information from: Anderson Independent-Mail, http://www.andersonsc.com/