Columbia County commissioners discussed Aug. 18 whether to make a temporary building inspector position permanent at 32 or 40 hours per week and decided to leave the position at 32 hours for the time being.

Planning staff said the temporary inspector, identified in the meeting as Paul, has brought permits up to date, performed inspections and started code-enforcement review work while generally completing the workload in a 32-hour week. Commissioners and staff discussed cross-training a prospective planning assistant so someone could cover inspections when needed and reduce single-point staffing risk for Fridays.

Why it matters: Building inspection capacity affects permit turnaround and inspection coverage for commercial and residential projects. Commissioners emphasized the value of cross-training rather than permanently tailoring positions to a single incumbent.

Discussion and direction: Commissioners indicated support for leaving the current inspector position at 32 hours, with the understanding the county may change hours later if operational needs require. Staff were directed to proceed with interviews and consider cross-training opportunities for the planning assistant role to provide backup coverage.

Next steps: Interviews for the planning assistant and additional building applicants will proceed; staff will monitor workload and return to commissioners if a change to the position’s hours or duties is recommended.