Building Department explores contractor services amid construction workload concerns

The Jackson Town Council Workshop held on April 21, 2025, focused on several key issues concerning the building department and public works, particularly regarding staffing and budget considerations.

The meeting began with a discussion about the building department's current staffing levels, which have remained unchanged for two to three decades. The department has relied heavily on professional services for commercial plan reviews, allowing them to manage complex projects efficiently. However, the cost of bringing in external inspectors for building reviews has been noted as prohibitive, particularly when staff are unavailable due to vacations.

Council members raised concerns about the correlation between construction activity and the workload of the building department. The building official indicated that most of their time is spent on-site conducting inspections and reviewing plans, which directly correlates with ongoing construction projects. The discussion highlighted the need for a mechanism to predict future construction trends, as fluctuations could significantly impact both tax revenues and departmental staffing needs.

The conversation shifted to public works, where a request for seven new full-time employees (FTEs) was presented. The town manager recommended only one of these positions, citing budget constraints. The council discussed the implications of staffing levels on service delivery, particularly in the streets department, where staffing shortages have led to increased overtime costs. The need for adequate staffing to maintain service levels was emphasized, with the council considering whether hiring additional staff could reduce overtime expenses.

Overall, the workshop underscored the interconnectedness of construction activity, staffing needs, and budgetary constraints within the town's departments. The council plans to revisit these discussions in future meetings, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming budget considerations.