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Building inspector outlines modest FY27 cuts to inspection compensation, expects ADU permit growth
Summary
Building Inspector Bob Fogerty told the finance committee that FY27 proposes a $15,000 reduction to inspector compensation tied to workload, described stipend and per-inspection pay structure, reported permit fees were raised in July 2024 to align with peers, and said ADU permitting remains low but expected to increase.
Bob Fogerty, the town’s building inspector, walked the finance committee through the Department’s FY27 budget and operations, describing how the town pays inspectors and why some line items changed.
"We did reduce that 15,000 and that was based on where we're coming in this year and kind of a general feel of where it's going forward," Fogerty said, referring to the inspector-compensation line. He explained inspectors are paid a per-inspection compensation for field work and also receive a monthly stipend that covers administrative duties and to ensure coverage.
Fogerty said the July 2024 permit fee increase was intended to keep Millis “in line with other communities” and that the department does not anticipate immediate additional fee increases. He described subscriptions for online building codes, continuing-education meeting costs and postage as stable operational lines.
On accessory dwelling units (ADUs), Fogerty said the department has permitted three ADUs so far and expects applications to grow as awareness increases; he proposed adding clearer web guidance to help applicants navigate rules and the online permitting portal. He reported the online permitting system has processed over 800 applications, which has improved efficiency and communication with applicants.
Committee members asked about the relationship between permit revenues and inspector compensation; Fogerty said revenues essentially pass through to pay inspectors and the current model is effectively a wash for the town.
The department did not propose major capital asks at the meeting; Fogerty said larger maintenance or capital projects would likely require outside contractors and possible inclusion on the town’s capital plan.
