Brigham City officials address inspector staffing amid growth forecast

Brigham City officials are taking proactive steps to address the growing demand for building inspections as the city continues to experience significant growth. During a recent work session, City Administrator Derek Whaler highlighted the foresight of the city’s leadership in preparing for this need. Three years ago, Whaler requested that Chief Building Official Tracy Halliday provide a two-year notice before the city would require an additional building inspector. This advance planning has positioned the city well to manage its inspection workload effectively.

Currently, the city is in the process of cross-training a public works inspector to help alleviate the pressure on the existing building inspector, who has been working overtime to keep up with demand. The city has not budgeted for overtime, but officials believe that by managing workloads efficiently, they can transition overtime hours into regular salary for the new hire, ultimately saving costs.

The discussions also touched on the importance of attracting new talent to the building inspection field, which is seen as a viable career option for young residents. With no four-year degree required, officials encouraged local youth to consider this path as a promising opportunity.

As Brigham City anticipates continued growth, the council is committed to ensuring that staffing levels meet the demands of the community. The proactive measures taken by city officials aim to maintain efficient operations while keeping costs manageable for taxpayers. The next steps will involve monitoring the workload closely and making adjustments as necessary to ensure that the city can effectively handle its building inspection needs.