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Monroe council votes to add full‑time fire inspector to tackle inspection backlog
Summary
The City of Monroe approved a full‑time fire inspector/coordinator position at grade 140 to address an inspections backlog and meet state requirements. Council members debated staffing, software, costs and potential elimination of existing part‑time inspectors before passing the measure.
The City of Monroe Common Council voted to add a full‑time fire inspector/coordinator position at grade 140 on the employee pay scale, a change recommended by the salary and personnel committee for 2025. The move aims to address a multi‑year backlog of building and fire inspections that officials say remains well below required levels.
Chief Rufe, who described the department's recent inspection history, told the council that part‑time staffing has completed roughly 200–225 inspections since late September of the prior year and that the city still faces “over 800” inspections overall. “I need people every day, every week,” Chief Rufe said, urging that part‑time staff cannot reliably meet demand. Council members also noted that state inspection mandates affect eligibility for roughly $40,000 in related funding if the city does not meet requirements.
Council discussion focused on whether part‑time staff could be restructured and whether software efficiencies might help; Chief Rufe said software exists as a module or would require a different system and does not replace the need for a dedicated full‑time inspector. The administration said the plan recommends using funds previously allocated to part‑time positions to support a single full‑time hire; the resolution directs human resources to open recruitment.
After debate the council approved the resolution. The roll call recorded two no votes (Alder Knoll and Alder Krenig) and the motion passed.
