Supervisors direct staff to draft permit‑coordinator job description after debate over portal versus new staff

The committee discussed a proposal to create a permit coordinator — sometimes described as a 'czar' — to help residents and applicants navigate multi‑department permitting in the unincorporated county. The item was informational; supervisors asked the county administrator's office, HR and relevant departments to draft a job description and report back with recommendations.

Public works and community development staff noted recent process improvements, including an online portal and faster planning review times. “I don’t think we can solve this kind of problem by adding more staffing or more people to tell you the truth,” a senior staff speaker said during the discussion, urging effective use of the portal and internal collaboration while acknowledging the persistent constituency service load on supervisors’ offices.

Public commenters urged that any new position include specific, measurable objectives (turnaround times, appeal processes) and be independent of the departments it would oversee; several speakers warned the portal alone does not resolve leadership and personnel issues that cause delays.

Supervisors directed staff to prepare a job description and consider housing the function either through the county administrator’s office or within an emerging Office of Unincorporated Services; they did not decide to immediately fill the position. The committee suggested returning the item for further discussion after consulting the county administrator and the office handling unincorporated services work, with a tentative future meeting for follow‑up.