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East Grand Forks council renews building-inspections contract with True Check despite complaints; two vote no
Summary
The East Grand Forks City Council voted to renew a contract with True Check for building-inspection services through Dec. 31, 2029, after staff warned that not renewing could halt local permitting; Council Members Tammy Schumacher and Dale Helms voted against the renewal.
On June 16, 2026, the East Grand Forks City Council voted to renew its building-inspections contract with True Check, extending the company's service agreement from June 18, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2029. The measure passed by roll call vote, with Council Members Tammy Schumacher and Dale Helms opposing the renewal.
City staff warned that the municipal code requires a designated certified building official when a city has adopted the state building code, and that a lapse in that designation could force the Department of Labor and Industry to temporarily assume plan review and inspections. Reed (staff member) told the council that, according to state figures he had discussed with Department of Labor and Industry representatives, 'there are 589 building officials statewide' and many serve multiple municipalities; staff recommended renewing the contract to avoid project delays.
During debate, Council Member Tammy Schumacher said builders she contacted reported poor communication and that some are 'very hesitant to take jobs in East Grand Forks' because of the current process; she said, 'for that reason, I will be voting no.' Reed and state representatives, Reed said, had acknowledged areas for improved communication and suggested using standardized review checklists from the state to reduce confusion.
Council Member Ben Pukvinsky said he shared concerns about the status quo but would vote to renew the contract because the city needs a certified building official in place to prevent potential delays to active projects.
The contract includes a 60-day termination clause, which staff noted would allow the city to change course if it later decided to hire an in-house building official. Council voted (yes: Casemi; Peterson; Larson; Pakinsky; Riapel. no: Schumacher; Helms). The renewal keeps True Check as the city's designated building-inspection provider while staff continues to evaluate long-term options.
The council's next steps include exploring standard communication templates and mentorship support from the state to improve plan-review correspondence and contractor interactions.
