Beaufort’s development head, who faced conflict of interest questions, has resigned
David Prichard, who oversaw Beaufort’s development office, has resigned, saying in his notice he wants to return to school and pursue other opportunities.
In January, the State Ethics Commission ruled that Prichard had a conflict because of his wife’s job with a developer.
City Manager Bill Prokop notified City Council members of Prichard’s resignation Wednesday.
Prichard, hired in 2018 as the director of the Community and Economic Development, served at a time when the city is embroiled in debate and legal fights over hotel, parking garage and apartment projects, which are controversial because of their size and location in the historic district. His staff reviewed those projects and others, issuing permits and advising city boards and commissions that vote on them.
His wife, Vanessa, took a job as a receptionist and leasing agent at 303 Associates, which is proposing the apartment complex, hotel and parking garage in historic downtown Beaufort. But her employment was not made public until a Facebook photo of the Prichards attending a company Christmas Party at 303 Associates was published in December, which raised concerns about possible conflict of interest or appearance.
Afterward, Prichard and the city sought an opinion from the State Ethics Commission, which advised the city that Prichard should recuse himself from matters involving 303 Associates because his wife worked there. It noted that the Ethics Act requires public employees to recuse themselves from any matter in which they, a family member, an individual or a business with which they are associated has an economic interest.
The city than decided that planners working on 303 proposals would report directly to City Manager Bill Prokop.
Prichard said previously he did not give any developer favorable treatment. And he did not think he had a conflict regarding 303 because his wife did not work on 303 development projects that appeared before the city.
“I’m going to do the right thing, and my wife knows that,” Prichard told the Beaufort Gazette and Island Packet in December. “It’s a small town. All these connections run through most things.”
Prichard was not available for comment Thursday morning.
“I’m appreciative of Mr. Prichard’s service to the city and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Mayor Stephen Murray said.
‘A good man’
City Attorney Bill Harvey called Prichard a “good man.”
“In my opinion, David has been a good director,” Harvey said. “He has managed that department well in a very challenging environment and we wish him all the best in going forward with his professional career.”
Prichard’s notice to the city said he was leaving the $114,439-a-year position to pursue a PhD degree and explore other career opportunities. He informed Prokop Monday.
“Yea, we had the conflict of interest thing but it didn’t really have any affect on anything.,” Prokop said. “This is his choice and we support him 100%.”
The city will begin a search for a new director immediately, Prokop said. Planning talent is in high demand, he said, and the city will be scouring the country to find a person with the right skills including familiarity with the city’s type of code and historic issues. The search, Prokop said, will likely take a few months.
In the interim, consultants will assist the Community and Economic Development Department with guidance and review of projects and staff reports, Prokop said. And Deputy City Manager Reece Bertholf and Prokop will work closely with the staff and consultants to ensure “the continued high level of customer service to all applicants and citizens,” Prokop added.
Prichard will be stepping down at the end of February, Prokop said, and has agreed to assist the city in the transition.
This story was originally published February 17, 2022 at 10:22 AM.
