COEUR d'ALENE - Kootenai County Finance Director Dave McDowell said his resignation this week was over differences in operating philosophies with County Clerk Jim Brannon.

McDowell had been the county's finance director for 14 and a half years, and his last day was Monday. Before that, he was controller for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.

Brannon, as clerk, oversees the auditor's office and was McDowell's boss.

Brannon wants to be the one communicating directly with other county officials, McDowell said Wednesday. In the past, McDowell said he himself has spoken directly with other public officials like the county commissioners, answering their various inquiries.

McDowell said no particular incident led to the resignation. He declined to say whether he received a settlement or payout like some other recent county employees got on their way out the door.

His resignation has been "something that has been in the making," McDowell said.

He said he doesn't mind getting an opportunity to check out some new job opportunities.

He thanked the employees and elected officials at the county, and said it has been a pleasure providing service to the public.

"There's a good team that's left there in the auditor's office," McDowell said. "I have great confidence in their abilities."

Brannon said Keith Taylor, a senior accountant for the county, has been chosen as interim finance director.

"He is a well-respected young man," Brannon said. "Dave mentored him."

Brannon said he hopes McDowell quickly finds another "good opportunity."

Brannon wouldn't say whether there was a settlement agreement paid to McDowell on his departure.

Mike McDowell, Dave's older brother and the county's elected assessor, said taxpayers will lose the investment made in his brother in both on-the-job experience and training.

"Sad to see that much experience and knowledge walk out the door," Mike McDowell said Wednesday. "We benefited for a decade and a half with that expertise."