Kitsap DCD shakeup continues

The Kitsap County Department of Community Development is in the process of reorganizing, establishing a second assistant director position in order to better address the department’s myriad functions.

“We’re looking at the overall makeup of DCD,” said North Kitsap Commissioner Cris Endresen. “But we thought we might as well start addressing the problems right now.”

After the January resignation of DCD Director Cindy Baker, Assistant Director Jim Bolger stepped in to manage the department. A similar situation occurred two years ago after the resignation of Kamuron Gurol, at which time Baker performed the duties of both jobs until her permanent appointment eight months later.

DCD is also the subject of an independent departmental audit, after which the county will advertise for a director whose responsibilities may be significantly redefined.

Since this may take several months, the department has elevated Jeff Rowe-Hornbaker to handle the permitting side of the department, while Bolger will continue supervisory duties and manage the 10-year Comprehensive Plan update, Community Planning and Natural Resources.

Endresen said it could be possible that DCD would have two assistant directors after a permanent director is selected.

The DCD director is one of two high-visibility openings in Kitsap County government. The county is also in need of a new Parks, Facilties and Recreation director following Mark Mauren‘s resignation two weeks ago.

In the meantime, Rowe-Hornbaker‘s elevation represents the first step toward raising the department‘s efficiency.

“This will help us put DCD in the direction that it needs to go,” said South Kitsap Commissioner Jan Angel. “And we need to define this before we get a new director.”

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