Planning department considers part-time inspector for Cloverdale
It’s by no means a done deal.
But if the Putnam County Planning and Zoning Department takes on the building inspection duties of the Town of Cloverdale, it will require the addition of a part-time inspector to do the work.
That was the word from County Planner Don Hatfield to the Putnam County Commissioners at their most recent meeting.
Town officials approached county officials about the possibility of taking on their building inspections following the firing of former Cloverdale Town Manager and Building Inspector Wayne Galloway in late March.
The prospects looked dim the last time the issue was discussed at a county meeting, with the commissioners wondering if they would need to add a full-time and a part-time employee to the department in an era of budget shortfalls.
The news was better this time from Hatfield, who in his role serves as the county’s primary building inspector.
Hatfield reported that after reviewing Cloverdale’s files, its permits brought in a total of $7,613.80 last year. Additionally some of Cloverdale’s fee schedules are lower, so it would bring in more if the fees are brought into line.
While this comes nowhere near covering a full-time employee’s salary (let alone benefits), it would allow the county to employ a part-time inspector who is used on an as-needed basis.
Additionally, Hatfield believes his existing staff could handle the extra paperwork.
“Are we going to lose money on this is what I’m asking?” Commissioner Rick Woodall said.
“I don’t think so,” Hatfield said.
County Attorney Jim Ensley suggested the county employ the part-time inspector the way it used to conduct all building inspections before Hatfield consolidated the roles of planner and inspector, paying the new employee only from the fees collected, with the county keeping a percentage.
Hatfield even has someone in mind to do the work. He has previously suggested he would hire Bill Mentgen as the part-time inspection. Mentgen was at the meeting with Hatfield.
Cloverdale Town Council President Larry Fidler, who was at the meeting along with Councilor Greg Jay, suggested that the town could hand out permits if it helps alleviate any work for the county staff.
Hatfield also suggested that bringing Cloverdale’s permit and inspection process would eliminate some waste that currently exista in the town’s process.
“There’s a lot of stuff on there that we don’t need to issue a permit for,” Hatfield said. “It’s needless stuff.”
“That’s what we’re trying to correct,” Jay said. “That’s why we’re here.”
The commissioners made no decision on the matter, tabling it until the Monday, June 1 meeting while they consider it further.