After a year on the job, a key member of San Luis Obispo County’s leadership team has reportedly resigned and officials say they are not looking for his replacement just yet.
San Luis Obispo County Administrative Officer Wade Horton told KSBY News Tuesday that he accepted Public Works Director Daniel “Colt” Esenwein’s resignation a day earlier. “We looked into concerns raised by staff, and he resigned shortly thereafter,” Horton said.
Esenwein took over as public works director last April after the county spent months vetting qualified candidates. He was hired to work with the County Administrative Office to oversee operations at the public works department, which at that time had approximately 300 full-time employees.
Prior to coming to San Luis Obispo County, Esenwein served as the assistant public works director for the County of Santa Cruz. SLO County officials said Esenwein brought more than 17 years of industry experience to the county and was a key member of SLO County’s leadership team.
Horton says he does not plan to initiate another recruitment right away. “At this point department stability is more important, so that the team can continue their good work for our community,” he said, adding, “The path forward will be determined later.”
Esenwein could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.
