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Permitting Services budget gains: committee approves two technical hires, tables outreach position
Summary
The committee backed a $2.9 million FY26 increase for the Department of Permitting Services (enterprise fund), approving two technical positions to accelerate commercial plan reviews and electrical review tied to climate code changes; a proposed outreach administrative specialist drew a tie and was placed on the rec list.
County staff outlined a FY26 recommended increase of roughly $2.9 million for the Department of Permitting Services (DPS), funded through the DPS enterprise fund. The enhancement request included three new positions intended to reduce plan‑review backlogs and support the county’s climate action requirements, plus compensation adjustments and modest operating increases.
Director Saba Khan described three requested positions: a senior permitting services specialist/program manager to improve commercial plan‑review turnaround, a program manager/electrical reviewer to shore up electrical plan reviews and support electrification requirements, and an administrative specialist for outreach and Spanish‑language community engagement. Staff emphasized that DPS had invested in technology upgrades and cross‑training and that the fund is an enterprise fund separate from the general fund.
Councilmembers debated whether process reengineering could replace new hires. Some members urged streamlining rules and regulations; others argued that the current backlog and overtime levels warranted near‑term staffing. After discussion, the committee voted to approve the senior permitting services specialist (unanimous among those present), approved the commercial program manager/electrical reviewer (3–1), and placed the outreach administrative specialist on the rec list after a tie vote; the chair said the outreach position could return later for consideration.
Members asked staff to tie approved hires to measurable service improvements and to clarify fund‑balance and fee implications; staff said the most recent fee study suggested no immediate fee increase but forecasted potential adjustments around fiscal 2028 if fund balance falls below policy thresholds.
