Homewood council committee approves filling vacant plans examiner post

Homewood officials voted to restore funding and approve filling the vacant plans examiner position in the Building Department, saying added capacity is needed to keep plan review timely and preserve public safety.

The building official told the committee that roughly 30%–40% of his workday is spent on plan review—about double the time expected for a properly staffed department—and he asked the committee to fill the previously authorized position now. “What I'm requesting is some assistance in the form of filling the open plans examiner position in the building department,” the building official said.

Committee members asked about salary, timing and budget impacts. The building official said the position is a grade 24 and that a hiring range up to the personnel-board limit would put salary around $70,000 annually. He said the position currently exists in the personnel allocation but was not funded in the last budget; the administration proposed funding it from the general fund. The city manager referenced midyear revenue performance, noting the city had collected more than planned and that “all indicators are that we will stay there” for near-term budgeting.

Committee members also discussed the city’s ISO (Insurance Services Office) ratings—an inspection metric that affects insurance costs—and how staffing supports maintaining favorable ratings. The building official said the Building Department’s ISO score is 4; the Fire Department’s is 1.

The committee moved to approve the request to fill the plans examiner position; the motion passed on the committee floor, recorded as the ayes having it, 3 to 0. No amendments were made and the item will advance per standard personnel and hiring procedures.

The committee did not set a precise hire date; the building official said the timeline depends on the current eligibility list maintained by the personnel board and on whether the list must be reopened.