Warren County government will not end its Building and Environmental Codes Department, says County Executive Herschel Wells.
“I’m going to tell you right now that this office won’t be closed, whether he stays or goes,” said Wells of codes director Richard Thompson. “You won’t be going to a state inspector.”
The statement was made during a county Budget and Finance Committee meeting after Warren County Home Builders Association member Anthony Malone voiced concerns for the county ending its codes inspection service, which would require local builders to rely on state inspectors.
“So, this office is going to remain open?” asked Malone. “Is that what you’re saying?”
Wells replied, “Yes.”
“That’s what we needed to know,” said Malone. “Thank you very much.”
Also in attendance were Donald Hillis, Ryan Lorance and Adam Bouldin, who each voiced a desire for the county to continue offering codes inspections.
Concern stemmed from a salary increase requested by Thompson in his proposed departmental budget for 2017-18 and what would happen to the department if his request is denied and he resigns. Thompson’s salary is $32,860 a year. In this year’s proposed budget is an increase to $42,500 a year.
Under consideration by the county is a fee structure increase for codes inspections that Thompson says would bring the county’s fees more in line with state charges and, in doing so, cover his salary increase.
“Currently, a permit for $135,000 home with an attached garage is about $400 in Warren County and about $600 in the areas where the state inspects,” said Thompson. “I also took a look at Putnam County and theirs is $540. The new fee schedule I’m proposing would be less than that for the same project. It would cover the cost of the budget increase.”
The fee change was approved by the county Policy and Personnel Committee. However, it has yet to be considered by the full Warren County Commission.
Committee members questioned what the salary increase would be per hour due to Thompson being an hourly employee. Finance director Linda Hillis calculated the 38-hour week would be $16.63 at his current salary of $32,860 and $21.50 at the requested increase to $42,500, which amounts to an increase of $4.87.
Committee members unanimously approved Thompson’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year without the salary increase.