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Selectmen approve third‑party building inspector for EB project, citing capacity and upfront permit revenue
Summary
North Stonington selectmen voted to hire contractor Wayne Bowmire as the official inspector for a large EB building project after discussing inspector capacity, estimated inspector costs of roughly $280,000–$300,000 over two years and permit revenue the town expects to receive in advance.
First Selectman Bob Carlson said the Board of Selectmen voted March 30 to hire contractor Wayne Bowmire to serve as the official building inspector for the EB project, citing the project’s scale and limits of the town’s part‑time inspection staff.
Carlson told the board that the town’s current building inspector told him, “You can hire me full‑time for $110,000 a year and about $40,000 in fringe,” but that the existing inspector would not be able to handle both normal town work and the EB project. Carlson summarized the town’s estimate that the inspection contract would cost “just under $280,000” over two years while permit fees and related revenue tied to the project could amount to “between $500,000 and $600,000.”
The selectmen discussed why a third‑party inspector is commonly used on large projects and emphasized that the town’s inspector would still sign off on work. Carlson said the town’s building inspector has previously worked with Bowmire and would need to be comfortable signing inspections; Bowmire’s team would supply on‑site staff and supervise the multiple projects the contractor performs.
Selectman John Gashion moved to approve the hire; Selectman Nicole Porter seconded. The board approved the motion on a voice vote with all members present in favor.
The board asked that the contractor provide invoices for work performed rather than a blanket salary; staff said monthly meetings with the inspector’s team would be scheduled so the selectmen can receive regular updates. Carlson read three key project timing milestones shared at a preconstruction meeting: a foundation permit and work expected by May, a weathertight structure by November 2026 and a certificate of occupancy target of August 2027.
What happens next: the selectmen authorized the hire and instructed staff to notify the contractor and set up tracking of inspection invoicing and monthly status reports back to the board.
Votes at a glance: the motion to hire the inspector passed with all selectmen present voting in favor.
