The Mariposa County Board of Supervisors got an unexpected and seemingly unwelcome surprise on Tuesday. Long-time Public Works Director Dana Hertfelder resigned his position at the regular meeting.

Hertfelder was the assistant director of public works in July, 2000. He was promoted to public works director in Mariposa County in November of 2004. While in the position, the department has taken on monumental tasks, such as the composting facility, landfill issues and numerous problems with natural disasters, including the Ferguson Rockslide and Telegraph and Oliver Fires.

County Administrative Officer Rick Benson said Hertfelder has “been a real asset” to Mariposa County. “I don’t know a harder-working individual,” Benson said. “We’re going to miss Dana.”

Hertfelder said he will be working as the deputy director of roads for Merced County, a position that is far more specific than the all-encompassing one he currently holds. Still, he was clearly impacted by the decision.

“I felt this was a time I needed a change,” Hertfelder said on Wednesday morning. “This was an opportunity. Hopefully, I can go there and do a good job.” He said he and his family intend to remain in Mariposa.

Hertfelder’s department oversees a myriad of divisions, not the least of which include solid waste and parks and recreation, in addition to the typical infrastructure divisions. He will miss his staff. “They’re a great bunch,” Hert- felder said. “I’ll miss working with them.”

Parks and Recreation Program Manager Shannon Hansen was also shocked to learn her division’s “cheerleader” was leaving. “He’s been great to work with,” she said. “He really sees parks and recreation as an asset to the community.”

Hertfelder’s management style will also be missed. “He’s a genuine person,” Hansen said. “He cared about his employees. He cared about us all.”

Board of Supervisors’ Chairman Kevin Cann said Hertfelder has been a “tremendous resource” for Mariposa County, and because of that, his department has been overloaded.

“For everything that doesn’t have a home, it goes to public works,” Cann said. Hertfelder’s departure will cause the board to “really analyze the structure” of the department, according to Cann. “It’s a hugely important position,” Cann continued.

Supervisor Janet Bibby said there are some things about Hertfelder’s character that will not be replicated. "His professionalism, commitment, work ethic and person attributes cannot be replaced,” she said.

Finding a new director will be a challenge. “It will be very hard to replace him,” Supervisor Jim Allen said. “He was great to work with when I was sheriff, and I have learned to appreciate him greatly as a board member. I have learned to rely on him. He’s a wealth of knowledge.”

Cann believes the current fiscal crisis in the state may help the County find a good replacement quickly. Many other counties have been laying off competent people to deal with budget cuts.

“We’re not a competitive salary,” Cann said. “But it’s a pretty darn nice place to live.”