Kitsap County Administrator, Malcolm Fleming will leave the county after seven years to become Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Bellingham. Fleming’s last day with Kitsap County will be Feb. 25.

In a prepared statement sent out by the county, Fleming stated, “This was a very difficult choice for me,” said Fleming, “I love Kitsap County, but the mix of opportunities and challenges in Bellingham combined with the enthusiasm expressed by Mayor Mark Asmundson, his management team and other city leaders to have me join them is irresistible.”

Prior to the announcement, rumors were swirling around the courthouse about Fleming’s possible departure. Supposedly, two of the three county commissioners favored terminating his employment, According to a courthouse staffer speaking on the condition of anonymity, it was suggested some time ago Fleming polish up his resume. This however could not be confirmed as the commissioners are barred from publicly commenting on personnel matters and Fleming could not be reached. The Commissioners would only comment on Fleming’s work by saying it will be challenging to find a replacement.

“As the first administrator for Kitsap County, Malcolm has been indispensable to the Board of Commissioners,” said Chris Endresen, County Commissioner and Board Chair in a prepared statement. Endresen is the only commissioner still left on the Board when Fleming was recruited and hired in 1998.

The Kitsap County Administrator’s primary responsibilities include overseeing the work of six appointed county directors and the executive staff, assisting the Board in developing and evaluating county policies.

Fleming is credited with many accomplishments: including helping the County transition from an annual to a more efficient two-year budget process; working with the Board to establish a six-year fiscal planning policy providing a more favorable financial position for the county and enhancing the Kitsap County bond rating; implementing citizen surveys to expand county understanding of citizen priorities; and improving internal communications so employees are better informed of county issues.