Jefferson County names interim building official, appoints four to Board of Building Appeals

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted to appoint Milton Orton as interim building official after the county’s current building official said he will leave at the end of the month. An unidentified commissioner moved to appoint Orton, a motion that was seconded and approved by roll call.

Commissioners also approved four nominees to the county’s Board of Building Appeals, naming Michael Clark, Keith Lewis, Jared O'Neil and Sean Priest. Chair explained the board will hear appeals and interpretations of building code decisions brought under the county’s authority.

The board discussed the need for an interim appointment during a personnel discussion held in executive session. After returning to open session, the commissioners moved promptly to fill the interim and appeals-board vacancies to ensure continuity in permitting and inspection work.

“No change from our process here — we want those appeals heard locally,” the chair said when introducing the nominees. The motion to appoint the four members was made and seconded, and the board approved the slate by roll call.

Next steps: Orton will serve as interim building official while the county searches for a permanent replacement; the newly appointed appeals-board members will be added to the roster for any pending or future appeals of building-inspection decisions.

No dollar amounts or contract terms were associated with these appointments in the public discussion.