DBI presents FY2010–11 budget plan emphasizing automation, records digitization and cautious revenue assumptions

Deputy Director Pamela Levin presented the Department of Building Inspection's proposed FY2010–11 budget on Jan. 20 and described assumptions underlying revenue and position changes. DBI projects increased revenues from apartment rental and hotel license fees and from interdepartmental agreements (MOUs) tied to large projects (Transbay, PUC, port). Levin said the department expects to add approximately $2.7 million to fund balance—raising payroll coverage from only a few days toward roughly 32 days—assuming MOUs materialize as projected.

Key budget proposals include converting many limited‑duration positions to ongoing roles (net increase of about 20 positions after attrition), adding inspection and customer‑service staff, and funding mandatory training associated with the 2010 California code changes. DBI also proposed multiyear investments: an electronic document management system (EDMS), ePlanCheck phase 2, digital conversion of microfilm and paper plans (in response to public‑records requirements), and purchase of field cameras for inspectors to document conditions.

Levin said DBI will explore a check‑debit system to reduce the $148,000 in uncollectible checks recorded in the first half of the prior fiscal year; the treasurer/tax collector currently retains 25% of recovered amounts for collections. Commissioners urged caution in revenue assumptions and asked staff to ensure budget contingency measures and monitoring if a mandatory seismic program increases workload. DBI will return Feb. 2 with more division‑level detail and will bring the budget back for a vote after the second hearing.