In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the urgent need to hire a building official due to delays in the hiring process and increasing demands on the town's building department. The conversation highlighted frustrations over the previous arrangement with private providers, which had been deemed inadequate and costly.

Officials noted that the town had been operating without a dedicated building official for an extended period, leading to a backlog of inspections and a significant increase in building permit fees—projected to rise by 21%. The lack of a full-time employee has resulted in a reliance on temporary solutions, which many believe are insufficient for the town's needs, particularly regarding short-term rental regulations.

The meeting underscored the necessity of hiring a temporary provider while searching for a permanent employee. Two companies, Universal and Veritas, were identified as potential candidates for this interim role. Officials emphasized the importance of moving quickly to secure these services for a maximum of four months, with the possibility of extending the contract if necessary.

Concerns were raised about the timeline for hiring a permanent official, with some suggesting it could take up to six months. The urgency of the situation was palpable, as officials recognized the potential for further complications if the town could not meet its building inspection obligations.

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus on the need for immediate action to address the staffing crisis in the building department, ensuring that the town can effectively manage its growing construction demands and regulatory responsibilities.