Planning director proposes paid planner hire using permit fees to handle post-flood workload

Lincoln County's planning director told commissioners on May 26 that the department is over capacity after recent flood recovery work and has missed or nearly missed statutory deadlines. The director proposed adding a full-time planner and shifting from contracted consultants to in-house capacity, estimating the net new cost for salary and benefits at about $20,095 over current staffing.

The director said planning revenue is already above projections this year and flagged a potential large subdivision submission — transcribed as "2 30 lots" — that at current fees ($500 per lot) could yield approximately $115,000. That revenue, combined with current overage in planning fees, could fund the new position at least on a temporary two-year basis while the department clears backlog and pursues grant opportunities.

Commissioners asked for calculations and the director provided a breakdown of contract savings, anticipated revenue increases, and the proposed phased hiring plan. The board did not vote; members said they would review the proposed changes as part of the broader budget process.