In a surprise announcement during the March 20 San Benito County Planning Commission meeting, planner Taven Kinison Brown said that Resource Management Agency Director John Guertin had resigned the day prior.
“That’s unfortunate,” Brown said. “It’s left the RMA staff shell-shocked.”
Brown gave no further details about the resignation.
Guertin was not immediately available for comment.
BenitoLink reached out to San Benito County supervisors and County Administrative Officer Ray Espinosa about Guertin’s resignation. Supervisors Jim Gillio, Peter Hernandez and Mark Medina declined to comment. Supervisor Jaimie De La Cruz did not respond. Supervisor Anthony Botelho deferred to Deputy County Administrative Officer Edgar Nolasco, who also acts as public information officer. Nolasco did not immediately respond for comment. CAO Espinosa did not respond.
Guertin held a key position in San Benito County. The RMA administers critical county functions including building permits, planning, street maintenance and code enforcement. When the previous RMA Director Brent Barnes resigned in March 2017, two consultants, Larry Perlin and James Walgren of Pleasanton-based engineering firm 4Leaf, Inc., were hired at a salary of $234,000 to take over the RMA.
Guertin was present at the March 19 Board of Supervisors meeting to report on road repairs funded by Senate Bill 1. BenitoLink spoke to him about meeting the following week and he agreed to do so, giving no indication that by the end of the day he would resign.
Board Chairman Medina chided Guertin during the meeting for not delivering his report in writing. By the end of the discussion on road repairs, Guertin appeared confused about what the board wanted him to do after it decided to put off his report until the next meeting.
BenitoLink will provide further details as they become available.