Commissioners will discuss replacement process next week
information released
Community Development Director Jim Brown handed in his resignation Monday to Chelan County Commissioners.
Brown, who was hired to lead the county’s planning department in April 2020, gave commissioners notice that his last day will be Jan. 31. He is leaving the county for a new position with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Bob Bugert, chairman of the Chelan County Board of Commissioners, thanks Brown for his time with the county and for leaving the department in a better place.
“Jim’s resignation is very unfortunate. Under his leadership, the county has made great progress in restructuring the department,” Bugert said. “This past year, there have been challenges that have led to a difficult work environment for Jim and his staff. I am hoping the building community partners with us in our continuing work toward building a healthy planning department.”
In his letter of resignation, Brown wrote that among his accomplishments as director was the recruitment of highly competent and talented staff, the establishment of a new short-term rental code and division, the adoption of a new Critical Areas Ordinance and assisting with the creation of a new Code Enforcement Division that is now within the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.
“This position has afforded me personal and professional growth and an opportunity to have built new relationships that would have never happened had I not accepted this position,” he wrote.
Commissioners have not yet determined a process for replacing Brown; they are expected to have that discussion next week when they are back in session.
