PORT ANGELES — Larry Dunbar, 12-year deputy director of power resources for Port Angeles, has announced his resignation effective Nov. 5.
Dunbar broke the news to City Council members at Tuesday’s meeting, which Dunbar said would be his last as a city employee.
“I just wanted to let you know this was my last council meeting,” Dunbar said from behind the speaker’s lectern in council chambers.
“It’s been a great engagement for me.”
Dunbar said he has accepted the energy services director position with the city of Ellensburg.
‘Extremely excited’
City Manager Dan McKeen said Dunbar told him he was being considered for the Ellensburg position about three weeks ago. McKeen said the city manager of Ellensburg, Ted Barkely, had spoken with McKeen about Dunbar, and Barkely clearly was looking forward to having Dunbar as part of his team.
“I can say that Ellensburg is extremely excited to have [Dunbar] come and work for them,” McKeen said.
At the council meeting, Dunbar told council members and city staff he was proud of the work he has done for the city of Port Angeles but also is looking forward to taking on more responsibilities in Ellensburg.
“I’m very grateful,” Dunbar said. “I’ve been able to finish raising my family in this community, and I’ve prepared myself to advance in my career.”
In an interview Wednesday morning, McKeen said he and city Public Works Director Glenn Cutler are working with Dunbar to ensure a smooth transition after Dunbar leaves but have not yet begun discussing how best to seek a replacement for him.
“We haven’t decided how we’re going to deal with his position yet,” McKeen said.
Additionally, McKeen said a decision has not yet been made on who will be taking over Dunbar’s day-to-day responsibilities.
McKeen said Dunbar’s annual salary was $99,981.
Daily management
In a later interview Wednesday, Dunbar said he worked day-to-day managing the city’s electric utility and the city’s relationship with the Bonneville Power Administration.
Dunbar also oversaw the city’s electricity conservation efforts and was heavily involved in utility-rate setting and the city’s Utility Advisory Committee.
Dunbar’s position with the city of Ellensburg will make him responsible for the city’s electric and natural gas utilities in addition to the telecommunications and information technology systems.
“It’s a career advancement for me,” he said. “I’m pretty excited.”
As of the 2010 Census, Ellensburg’s population was 18,174, a bit less than Port Angeles’ 2010 population of 19,038.
Ellensburg is the seat of Kittitas County and lies east of the Cascades about 110 miles from Seattle.
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Reporter Jeremy Schwartz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jschwartz@peninsuladailynews.com.