Title
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance in the Amount of $67,736 for Additional Community Planning and Development Staff
Recommended Action
Finance Committee Recommendation:
Move to approve appropriation ordinance in the amount of $67,736 to fund three positions in Community Planning and Development for the remainder of 2015.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee.
Report
Issue:
Whether or not to appropriate permit revenue to cover the costs of funding of three additional staff to meet development demands.
Staff Contact:
Karen Kenneson, Business Manager, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8277
Presenter:
None. Consent Calendar
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis have not changed from first to second reading.
During the economic downturn there was a significant decline in new construction and the corresponding revenue. Since 2008, Community Planning and Development (CP&D) has cut 12.75 positions 10 of which were directly related to permitting and inspection. Development activity has been on the rise for the past three years and the Department is struggling to meet customer demand due to lack of adequate staffing. Commercial permit are already well above those of the previous three years. The Department is also on pace to conduct more than 13,000 inspections.
The increase in construction translates to increased revenue to support this work.
Earlier in 2015, City Council approved the addition of a Building Plans Examiner and a combination Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer. The increased development activity that necessitated the addition of these positions also creates the need for additional positions to support this work:
Office Specialist II
Additional administrative support is necessary to aid the work of the planning and building divisions' increased permit and project loads. One half of this position is already funded through professi...
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