County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt has announced that Garrett County Department of Planning and Community Development Executive Director Michael Koch has submitted his letter of resignation to be effective March 31, 2015.  Mr. Pagenhardt stated that he had spoken at length with Mr. Koch about his decision and it was certainly a difficult and well thought out decision.    Mr. Koch commented that “my two-year tenure in County Government has been quite fulfilling.  I am very proud of what has been accomplished, and the current state of the County’s economy, financial condition, and business development environment. Now, it is time to return my focus to FireFly Farms, my own successful and expanding  County business.”
 
Mr. Pagenhardt indicated that based on Mr. Koch’s decision of resignation the Department of Planning and Community Development will be restructured whereby the Departmental Offices of Planning and Land Management, Economic Development, and Permits and Inspection Services will be reorganized into 3 separate and distinct departments.  Deborah Carpenter, who is currently the Assistant Director of the Office of Planning and Land Development will be promoted to Director and James Torrington, Assistant Director, Office of Permits and Inspection Services will be reassigned from Assistant Director to Director.   The process to seek applicants for the Director of the Department of Economic Development will commence in January.  
 
Questions on this matter should be addressed to Mr. Pagenhardt at 301.334.8970 or mpagenhardt@garrettcounty.org