PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County is close to filling the position of Department of Development Director on a permanent basis. “We currently have seven candidates,” said County Administrator Philip Morley.
“We are hoping to narrow them down to finalists and begin the interview process this week.”
Carl Smith retired from the post in September and was replaced by Goldsmith for what was then expected to be a few months.
Since joining the department, Goldsmith’s contract has been extended twice, in December for five months and Monday until June 20. Goldsmith receives a $9,600 monthly salary without benefits.
The county attempted an initial search without assistance. Four candidates were interviewed and one was invited to visit Port Townsend, but he withdrew.
The county then hired search firm Prothman of Issaquah to find candidates, entering into a contract costing $16,500, plus up to $5,325 for reimbursable expenses.
Along with setting up finalist interviews, the county needs to schedule the selection process sequence and determine at what point the finalists’ names will be released to the public, Morley said.
Prothman is also helping county officials with a search for the vacant Central Services Director position but the DCD post is the first priority, Morley said.
The combined contract limit for fees and expenses for both searches is $43,650, Morley said.
Salary range
After the unsuccessful search, the annual salary range for the DCD director was raised to between $77,285 and 103,865, up from $70,831 to $95,191.
Goldsmith, 67, began working for Jefferson County in 1979 in the planning department, retiring in 2005 as county administrator.
Since that time he has worked as a consultant and in the insurance industry.
Customer service
As DCD interim director, Goldsmith has a customer service orientation, he said.
“I think of dealing with customer service first and letting the regulations work themselves out later,” he said.
“Other directors might have different priorities, which means that the public and the staff get whipsawed back and forth.”
Goldsmith has not addressed preparation of the comprehensive plan update, which is due in 2018.
He is leaving that to the permanent replacement.
To prepare the update, the staff works very hard in a short time, he said.
“That won’t happen for awhile but we are still behind as far as preparation,” he said.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
