Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Inspector topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Brigham City staff propose hiring additional building inspector; Perry City would share costs
Summary
City staff told the Brigham City Council that an internally promoted building inspector and a cost-sharing agreement with Perry City would increase service capacity while largely funding the position from building-permit revenue and Perry’s contribution.
Brigham City staff presented a plan to the Brigham City Council to add a full-time building inspector and to accept a cost-sharing agreement with neighboring Perry City to offset much of the expense.
City staff said the city’s current building official asked for additional help because demand has grown. Staff reported they have an internal candidate — a public-works inspector who has obtained nearly all required certifications — who could be promoted into a full-time building inspector role. Paul (staff member) described the internal promotion as a way to reduce reliance on overtime and to retain institutional knowledge.
Tom Carter (staff member) explained Perry City has offered to fund a share of the position’s fully burdened cost. He told the council Perry proposed contributing about 45% of the fully burdened cost; after Perry’s contribution staff estimated Brigham City’s net additional cost at roughly $74,200. Carter said staff’s plan is to offset the remaining cost with building-permit revenue rather than the general fund. Carter noted building-permit revenue is projected to reach about $500,000 this year and that fees can be adjusted to recover the true cost of inspection services if necessary.
Council members asked for details about expected overtime reduction, the forecast of permit volume, and whether the city had previously budgeted for the hire. Staff said the current inspector has been working overtime to cover demand and that promoting an already-certified internal employee would shift those overtime hours into regular salary while improving service capacity. Tracy Halliday (chief building official) — referenced by staff — had previously provided early notice of the need for additional inspection capacity, staff said.
No formal motion or vote was taken during the work session. Staff said the personnel change is included in the mayor’s proposed budget and that the council can act as part of the budget adoption process.
Looking ahead, staff recommended that if the council approves the position, the city would (a) finalize the cost-share agreement with Perry City, (b) promote the internal candidate, and (c) monitor building-permit revenue and adjust fees later in the budget year if permit revenues do not cover the position’s cost.
Ending: The matter remains a staffing and budget decision for the council when it considers the mayor’s proposed budget; staff said it is designed to be funded by permit fees and Perry’s contribution rather than the general fund.
