Milan mayor proposes part-time inspector, ending consultant contract to trim Building Department deficit

At a July 25, 2022 work session, Mayor Ed Kolar outlined a plan to address a deficit in the City of Milan’s Building Department, saying the city should aim to break even annually and reduce current revenue shortfalls.

Kolar presented what the minutes describe as a brief history of the department’s revenues and “current deficiencies,” and compared Milan’s structure and performance with similar municipal building departments. To reduce costs and bring the department closer to a break-even footing, he proposed entering into an agreement with a neighboring community to provide a part-time building inspector and not renewing the city’s contract with Carlisle Wortman.

The minutes identify Mike Radzik with Carlisle Wortman as present at the meeting; the record does not specify the terms, length, or dollar value of the Carlisle Wortman contract or the proposed part-time arrangement. The transcript likewise does not specify the size of the Building Department’s deficit, only noting that Kolar described revenue shortfalls and a goal of eliminating the deficit.

Dave Snyder spoke during the public comment period; the minutes state that he spoke but do not record the substance of his remarks. The session concluded with a procedural motion: Councilmember Baldwin moved to adjourn, Councilmember Nie seconded, and the motion carried unanimously at 7:22 p.m.

Next steps were not recorded in the minutes: the record does not show a formal vote on any contract change or a staff directive to implement the mayor’s proposal. Any decision to alter contracts or staffing would require follow-up on the council agenda and, if applicable, formal action or intergovernmental agreements.