Council discusses contracting building department services with Hamilton County; ordinance tabled

Councilors discussed a proposal to contract with Hamilton County for building department services during the Nov. 13 special meeting. Safety and service director Wendland and Mayor Stutchell outlined the proposal: Hamilton County would serve as the village’s chief building official, provide multiple inspectors and on-demand resources (including structural engineering), and be compensated through permit and inspection fees rather than direct billing to the village.

Mayor Stutchell told council that the contract would streamline permitting through Hamilton County’s online portal and provide on-demand technical resources that the village’s current contractor lacks. Wendland said the county would not review permits until they had passed the village’s zoning process, and that the village’s zoning administrator (AJ Schwer) would continue to process zoning approvals before county review. The proposed effective date discussed was Jan. 1, 2026, with some permits potentially overlapping during a transition period.

Council members asked whether the arrangement would save money. Wendland and the mayor said costs are expected to be comparable overall: the village recently hired a full-time code enforcement and zoning staffer, offsetting consultant fees, while Hamilton County would be compensated through permitting fees rather than a retainer. Councilor Morton characterized the proposal as providing "more services" at similar expense.

After discussion, Council member Schultmeyer moved to place Ordinance 28 on the table for the next meeting; the motion carried by voice vote. No final contract was approved at the meeting.