Dunn County reviews mobile home inspection costs and potential fee increases

Dunn County officials are exploring the financial feasibility of implementing a mobile home inspection program, a move aimed at enhancing safety standards in manufactured home communities. During a recent Health and Human Services Committee meeting, committee members discussed a detailed cost estimate for launching the program, which is expected to incur significant initial expenses.

The proposal includes a breakdown of costs associated with staff training, program development, and the establishment of a health data system for inspections. The first year alone is projected to cost approximately $17,000, with revenues estimated at only $5,700, leaving a deficit of around $11,000. This shortfall highlights the challenges of starting the program, as the initial setup requires substantial investment.

To address ongoing financial sustainability, committee members considered the possibility of increasing inspection fees. Currently, the fees align with those set by the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). However, if fees were doubled, the first-year deficit could be reduced to about $5,000, with a gradual path toward breaking even in subsequent years. Despite this potential adjustment, officials noted that even with increased fees, the program would still operate at a loss without further financial support.

The committee also discussed the need for hiring a limited-term employee to help establish the program over the next three to five years, which would require additional budget considerations. The overarching goal is to minimize reliance on tax levy funds while ensuring that the program meets safety standards for residents.

As Dunn County moves forward with these discussions, the focus remains on balancing the need for enhanced safety in mobile home communities with the financial realities of implementing such a program. The committee's findings will play a crucial role in shaping future decisions regarding public health and safety initiatives in the county.