St. Louis officials discuss urgent need for building inspectors and staff resources

The Budget and Public Employees Committee of the St. Louis City Council convened on May 7, 2025, to discuss pressing issues related to city services and staffing needs. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the city's building inspectors and the ongoing demand for board-up services across various structures.

The session began with a discussion on the current staffing levels for board-up services, where committee members expressed concern over the limited number of workers available to handle the city's needs. One member noted that with only four workers assigned to board-up tasks, the workload was overwhelming, leading to delays in securing properties. The importance of these services was emphasized, as they are crucial for maintaining safety in both residential and commercial areas.

Following this, the committee turned its attention to the building division. A representative outlined the current staffing situation, revealing that there is one building inspector supervisor and four total inspectors. The need for additional inspectors was underscored, particularly in light of recent initiatives such as the rental registry, which aims to increase proactive inspections. The representative explained that a request had been made for 22 inspector positions to help alleviate the burden on current staff and to allow for the promotion of existing inspectors to higher roles.

The discussion also touched on the impact of recent legislative changes, which required reallocating inspectors from other divisions to manage short-term rental inspections. This shift has strained resources, and the representative acknowledged the need for clarity on funding and staffing structures moving forward.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the critical staffing shortages within the building division and board-up services, highlighting the need for strategic planning and resource allocation to meet the city's demands effectively. The committee plans to continue addressing these issues in future sessions, aiming to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of city services.