Chelan County Community Development Director Abruptly Resigns

Chelan County Community Development Director Jim Brown is resigning his position, saying the chief reason for his departure is a bad relationship with one commissioner.

Brown said the relationship can't be fixed in his resignation letter, noting chronic and loud complainers are constantly slamming his department in public.

A news release from the county announced that Brown's last day would be Friday, and said he's leaving for a new position with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Chelan County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Bugert thanked 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.”

Brown submitted his resignation on Monday. He started working at the county’s planning department in April 2020.