Committee approves filling vacant plans examiner position; city manager says general fund will cover salary

The Homewood City Finance Committee voted 3-0 on June 2 to approve filling an open plans examiner position in the Building Department.

Building Official Zia Pew framed the request around three priorities: protecting public safety, protecting property values and supporting economic development. Pew said that due to high construction volume the department is spending about 30–40% of his time on plan review—roughly double what a single-person department should need—and that having a trained plans examiner is necessary to maintain code compliance and quality control.

Pew said the position is an existing allocation but currently not funded; he asked the committee to fund and fill the position now. He told the committee he is connected statewide through the State Code Officials Association and expects recruitment options. Council members asked about salary and timing; Pew said the role aligns with a salary around $70,000 annually depending on the Jefferson County personnel board classification and that recruiting may depend on the personnel board’s candidate list.

City Manager Mister Smith told the committee the city’s midyear revenue outlook is positive (staff reported being roughly $3 million over plan) but the manager recommended treating the FY2026 budget as effectively flat for planning. Committee members asked whether the addition would reduce administrative staffing; Pew said it would not and that the plans examiner fills a technical role that does not replace administrative work.

The committee approved the request 3-0. Staff said the position will be funded from the general fund and that filling the role may require using existing eligibility lists from the Jefferson County personnel board or reopening the recruitment if necessary.