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County approves new building inspector FTE to address staffing gaps and succession
Summary
Deschutes County approved a budget amendment to add one commercial-level building safety inspector FTE to the Community Development Division, citing recruitment difficulty for commercial inspectors and potential leave-related bandwidth issues.
Deschutes County commissioners on March 5 voted unanimously to add one full-time building safety inspector to the Community Development Department's staff roster, approving Resolution No. 2025-006. County staff told the board the position addresses anticipated capacity shortfalls and long recruitment timelines for commercial-level inspectors.
"These commercial level inspectors are very difficult to recruit for and ultimately find, creditable candidates," Community Development Director Peter Gutowski told the board, describing the position as "highly specialized." Senior management analyst Sherry Pinner said the division has reserve funds to cover the cost and that vehicle purchase for the post would be budgeted in FY26 if a hire is made.
Staff told commissioners they do not expect to fill the role before June because of recruitment timelines and potential relocation time; the county plans to coordinate recruitment with industry partners such as the Central Oregon Builders Association.
Board members pressed staff on cost and procurement choices; commissioners suggested reviewing used-vehicle options for the new position. No specific dollar amounts were provided at the meeting.
Ending Staff said they will return with updates on recruitment progress; the county expects the position to increase inspection capacity for commercial projects and contract inspection work for the small cities the county serves under contract (Sisters and La Pine).
