Commission appoints county engineer as interim zoning administrator amid contentious debate

The Grand County Commission voted to appoint County Engineer Sean Yates as interim zoning administrator while the county completes an external hiring process for a permanent planning director. Commissioner McCurdy moved the appointment; Commissioner Martinez seconded. The motion passed on a 4–3 roll call.

Commission debate was sharply divided. Opponents, including Commissioner Hadeen and Commissioner McGahn, said the commission had not followed standard practice for personnel matters and criticized the public forum for discussing staffing changes. Commissioner Hadeen said building-inspection delays and department stability warranted keeping existing staff in place until a director is hired. "Why would we rattle a cage that doesn't need to be rattled?" Hadeen asked.

Supporters said the interim appointment was necessary to ensure continuity while the county completes a planned land-use code overhaul that follows a 2030 general-plan update and to stabilize operations. Commissioner McCurdy said planning staff turnover since 2020 has left the department short-handed and that appointing the county engineer to oversee day-to-day operations would allow the county to move the land‑use code update forward.

Several commissioners and members of the public raised operational concerns: contractors reported inspection delays (one contractor cited an electrical inspection scheduled three weeks out), and some commissioners cited invoices for outside consulting (Horrocks) that indicate high hourly rates. Commissioner Hadeen said Horrocks billing averaged $234–$253 per hour on recent invoices and argued that contracting costs are significant.

County administration said a draft report from the recruitment consultant (Slavin) was in draft form and that staff would return with candidate lists and cost estimates for the transition. The commission directed staff to continue recruitment for a permanent planning director and to provide the commission with the consultant report and budget implications.

The vote passed 4–3. Commissioners voting yes said the interim appointment will protect continuity while allowing a focused effort to revise the land-use code; those voting no cited process, staff notification and the effect on building‑permit operations as reasons to keep current staffing arrangements in place.