County Resource Management Agency Director Brent Barnes resigned Wednesday.
“He announced his retirement at the Planning Commission meeting,” Supervisor Jerry Muenzer said. “I believe he’s pretty much retired now.”
Supervisor Robert Rivas said he received a call from the County Administrative Office that Barnes planned to resign.
“I don’t know anything beyond that,” Rivas said Thursday morning. “I haven’t had a conversation with Mr. Barnes, but I know he made a big move from the state of New Jersey to work for San Benito.”
Rivas said he found Barnes to be professional and knowledgeable.
“When I get the chance, I’ll thank him for the service he provided for our county,” he said.
As director of the Resource Management Agency, Barnes oversaw numerous departments including the planning and building inspections division, public works and facilities, park operations, housing and economic development, and more.
“I wish (Barnes) the best of luck in his future endeavors,” Supervisor Anthony Botelho said. “If he’s retired, I wish him happiness.”
Barnes’ resignation comes at a critical time for the county, as the Resource Management Agency has been restructuring over the last couple months. County supervisors approved job specifications for a Resource Management Agency Deputy Director position at a Feb. 21 meeting.
Botelho confirmed that the deputy director position hasn’t been filled. He also said the county will probably enlist a consulting service to help with the period of time between recruitment and hiring a new director.
County Management Analyst Louie Valdez confirmed the county intends to bring in a consulting firm.
“The County Administrative Office is going to be overseeing the Resource Management Agency for a short period of time until we bring in a consulting firm,” Valdez said Thursday afternoon. “That will probably happen next Wednesday. In the interim, the County Administrative Office is going to provide administrative support to the Resource Management Agency office.”
