Jefferson County staff outline interlocal to provide building inspections for Hanover

Building Inspector Jeff Klein told the Jefferson County Council on Nov. 18 that the county is negotiating an interlocal agreement with the town of Hanover for the county to provide building-inspection and permitting services.

Klein said Hanover has not submitted assessments for new buildings in recent years and that an interlocal would bring permitting and inspections under county processes while Hanover would retain most zoning enforcement. "They would pay us $25,000 annually, and then that would go up by 3% every year to provide increases in salary," the county auditor said during the discussion about funding. Klein said the county would perform inspections, handle permits in the county office and post notices for unsafe buildings, while Hanover would cover expenses and litigation for code enforcement.

Context: Klein said he initially resisted taking on Hanover's inspections but, after discussions with staff including Taylor Bullock and Pat McGrath, agreed to pursue an interlocal so the work would not rest on a single individual. Klein noted operational uncertainties—permit counts, mileage and seasonal workload—and recommended the council review the arrangement after six months to assess feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

Key terms discussed: the interlocal would start as soon as possible (Hanover prefers a start at the beginning of the year); it includes a 30-day termination clause allowing either party to end the agreement; Klein said he would report to the Hanover council on the work. The auditor indicated Hanover would supply software (iWORKS) and pay vendor bills once the agreement is approved.

Next steps: Staff said they will take the proposed interlocal to the next available commissioners' meeting for approval and return to council with a salary ordinance and any needed appropriations. Council members asked staff to track workload and provide a six-month evaluation.