Vancouver, WA – May 5, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Clark County would hire two building safety inspectors and a customer support specialist to help complete local projects under a budget proposal headed for public hearing before the Board of County Councilors.
The board will consider the staffing request from the Community Development department during a public hearing required to adjust the current county budget for 2015-2016. The hearing is set for 10 a.m. May 12 at the Public Service Center, sixth-floor hearing room, 1300 Franklin St.
The county has conducted about 18,000 building safety inspections this year, up from 13,000 in the same months last year. The increase reflects steady improvement in the local economy. Year to date, inspections are up from about 7,000 in 2012.
“We are moving to restore capacity lost during the recession while making continuous improvements to help businesses and homeowners finalize plans, submit applications, secure permits and complete construction,” said Marty Snell, director of Community Development.
Overall, the county finance team is recommending a net increase of $844,750 in general fund spending using existing sources of revenue while maintaining adequate reserves, according to Budget Manager Adriana Prata.
She said the proposed changes also emphasize public safety and critical needs, including:
• A new boiler for the Juvenile Justice Center
• Greater security in the Sheriff’s Office
• An additional deputy prosecuting attorney to relieve pressure from a 29 percent increase in cases filed over the past five years.
Other recommendations include a plan to refinance $7.7 million in bonds, saving about $550,000 in a variety of programs. Additional details are available on the county website at www.clark.wa.gov/thegrid/documents/2_Budget.pdf.
Contact
Marty Snell, Community Development
Phone: (360) 397-2375 ext. 4101
Marty.Snell (at) clark.wa (dot) gov
Mary Keltz, Public Information and Outreach
Phone: (360) 397-6012 ext. 4
Mary.Keltz (at) clark.wa (dot) gov
