DBI lays out FY2011–12 budget with staffing increases, server refresh and $1M lobby placeholder

The Department of Building Inspection outlined a proposed FY2011–12 operating and capital budget on Feb. 3 that would add staff, expand project funding and modernize critical IT infrastructure, department leaders told the Building Inspection Commission.

Pamela Levin, DBI deputy director for administrative services, said the draft budget prioritizes restoring staffing and code-enforcement outreach programs, meeting increased need for permanent inspection services, investing in customer-facing technology and reviewing fees to ensure cost recovery. "Sixty‑seven percent of our budget is personnel costs," Levin said, explaining the rationale for the proposed positions and related annualization calculations.

Levin told commissioners the department is seeking roughly 13 new full‑time equivalents phased in during the fiscal year, allocated across administrative services, inspection services and permit services. She said DBI’s fund balance currently covers about 54 days of salaries and fringes, and that the department’s reserves have improved since the low point in FY2009–10 when the fund balance was about $553,000.

The budget includes a $1 million placeholder for renovating the First Floor lobby, which would create a help desk (Qmatic), address ADA and ergonomic issues, replace furniture and fund project management through the Department of Public Works. "We have a placeholder in here for a million dollars," Levin said, noting DPW and the city’s real-estate office must review scope and markups.

On projects, Levin proposed increasing the projects line from $2.0 million to $4.25 million, and identified a server‑refresh program to replace approximately 47 servers that are five years old or older and out of warranty. She said the server refresh is critical even if the department later adopts a hosted permit-tracking solution.

Levin also described investments to speed cash collection — including card swipes at desks and a check‑debit system — aimed at reducing an estimated $200,000–$400,000 in annual losses from non‑sufficient‑fund checks and improving customer flow.

Commissioners asked for additional detail on several items, including a breakdown of permits by homeowner versus contractor, the square‑foot costs behind the $1 million placeholder and the timing of new hires. Levin said DBI will provide more figures at the next hearing; the commission will take a second hearing and vote on the budget at its Feb. 16 meeting, requiring an affirmative vote of five members for approval.

The meeting closed without a final vote on the budget; commissioners and staff agreed to return with requested analyses and more detailed cost estimates before the scheduled approval vote.