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Commissioners renew contract for external building inspections and structural plan review; vote 3-1
Summary
The board approved an updated contract with Charles Abbott to provide building inspection and structural plan-review services after county staff said external expertise remains necessary; the vote was 3–1.
The Spalding County Board of Commissioners on July 21 approved an updated contract with Charles Abbott to provide building-inspection services and structural plan review after Community Development staff said outside expertise is needed to handle structural reviews and on-site inspections.
Why it matters: County staff told the board that the planning team handles zoning, setbacks and land-use reviews but that structural and engineering plan review and field inspections require licensed inspector and engineering expertise that the in-house planning staff do not provide. Contracts with an outside firm allow the county to meet code-review and inspection responsibilities without in-house licensed inspectors.
Board discussion and vote: Community Development Director Allen recommended renewing the contract, saying the inspectors and plan reviewers have been professional and efficient. One commissioner questioned whether recently hired planners might take on more of the workload; staff replied that planners are not qualified to perform licensed structural inspections. The board approved the contract renewal; the roll call indicated three votes in favor and one opposed.
Ending: County staff said continued use of the external firm avoids a service disruption and preserves inspection capacity while planning staff handle zoning and land-use reviews.
