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Finance Committee reviews Building Department budget, flags inspection backlog and a small DSR4 hire
Summary
The committee reviewed the Building Department’s near‑flat budget and discussed turnover, inspection backlogs and a DSR4 request for a part‑time scanning position to better manage records at 470 Dedham Ave.
Committee members reviewed the Building Department budget, which the finance staff presented with a FY26 base of about $988,373 and a relatively small proposed increase tied to DSR requests. Finance staff and department representatives described significant staff turnover over the past year that contributed to an inspection backlog; the department and deputy town manager said they are close to being fully staffed and are recruiting a new building commissioner.
The department has a DSR4 (small, personnel) request of roughly $4,485 for a part‑time/seasonal position to organize records and scanning at 470 Dedham Avenue. The department and committee said that last year the town diverted funds to create what effectively became a full position to address inspection backlogs. Committee members asked for clarification on staffing plans and whether existing staff can manage ongoing large construction projects such as the West Street development.
Liz, the deputy town manager, told the committee the department is “in the process of hiring a new building commissioner” and that while inspections remain behind schedule, staffing has improved and capacity is expected to recover in the coming months.
The committee did not act on the budget request at the Jan. 28 meeting; members signaled they would revisit the Building Department line when the committee meets next week for line‑by‑line deliberations.
