The Building Department is requesting to increase its budget to cover the cost of creating a Part-Time Senior Plans Examiner and a Senior Permit Technician.  Currently the Building Department has a vacant Full-time Sr. Plans Examiner position. Alex Juan is currently working within this FTE as a temporary Part-time employee for the Building Department.  The full-time position has been posted with intent to fill.  This would leave no funding or FTE’s to retain Mr. Juan.  Mr. Juan was a longtime Sr. Plans Examiner for the city before retiring and as such plays a critical role in the Building Department now due to his history and knowledge with the city. Staff is requesting authorization to add the part-time position in order to retain Mr. Juan as a PT employee working no more than 27 hours per week.  

Currently the Building Department pays an outside Plans Examiner at a significantly higher salary.  By filling the full-time position and retaining Mr. Juan, the City will no longer need to rely on outside Plans Examiners to process plans, which would provide significant savings.  Current budgeted allocations are for the vacant FT position.  The annual recurring cost for the new PT position will be $63,869, including salary and recurring operating costs.  The one-time cost of $4,600 is for a computer, software, and furniture for the vacant full-time position.

In addition, the Building Department is requesting to add a Senior Permit Technician to the Department.  Due to significant increase of current and anticipated future construction within the City, the Building Department has and will experience a sharp increase in permit applications and customer service.  The Building Department is in need of a dedicated position to monitor, assist, and coordinate the workflow of the Permit Technicians to ensure proper deadlines are met.   This position will act as the liaison between the Building Official, Administrative Services Manager, and contractors.  The salary for this position will be $35,910.  The annual recurring cost for this new position, including salary and benefits will be $60,882 and additional one-time cost of $4,300.  Total cost for both positions will be $133,651.