Contractor alleges building‑department misconduct; city manager agrees to meet to resolve permit dispute
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Summary
Contractor Thomas Atlas told council the building department has delayed inspections, canceled permits and harassed him and his subcontractors; the city manager agreed to meet with Atlas the same day to resolve the dispute.
A contractor addressing the council on Jan. 7 accused the Port Arthur building department of harassment, improper permit cancellations and failure to perform inspections, and asked the council to intervene so his renovation project can be completed.
Thomas Atlas, describing himself as a contractor and former council member, said his renovation project — purchased at a tax auction in October 2023 — has been effectively halted and that inspectors have refused to release permits needed for utility hookups. He alleged staff threatened his master electrician, canceled permits, and behaved unprofessionally when conducting site visits. Atlas said he has spent “hundreds of thousands” on the project and that his work has been on hold for roughly two months.
Council members and the mayor responded by urging Atlas to meet in person with the city manager. Councilman Doucette and others recommended setting an appointment; the city manager acknowledged he had spoken with Atlas previously, described a staff report and said Miss Langford had been directed to prepare a detailed report. The manager and staff told Atlas that a licensed electrician should certify the work and that the manager would meet with Atlas after the council meeting to provide specific steps to move the project forward.
Atlas asked for a waiver or an executed release to allow utility companies to hook up service; staff said requirements include certification from a licensed electrician and proper completion of inspections before utilities can be connected. The manager committed to meet with Atlas later the same day to review the reports and explain the items Atlas must complete to obtain final approvals.
Council took no formal enforcement action but the manager’s commitment to an in‑person meeting was recorded as the immediate follow‑up. Atlas said he would remain in town for the meeting and the manager and council encouraged him to set a formal appointment if the timing required it.