WILMINGTON — The Clinton County Building & Zoning official approached commissioners Wednesday to ask for added manpower, citing construction activity and the value to the county of a second staffer.
Walt Daniel advised the county commissioners “it would be a good thing to have somebody working out there with me,” in order to learn the ropes, provide backup coverage in a one-person office, and make the building and zoning department better.
Daniel does the zoning work, while Warren County Building & Zoning Department staff is contracted to perform the building inspections in Clinton County. Daniel, however, does the scheduling of the building inspections.
He said a lot of times his job lasts from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“It’s just a lot,” he told commissioners.
With a one-person office, Daniel said he doesn’t feel comfortable enough to go on vacation “and turn the office dark for a week.”
The good news is there has been a lot of building going on this year, he said.
And more construction is on the horizon, with Daniel meeting Thursday with the Warren County plans examiner and architects for Alkermes which is looking at doing some building, he said.
If a second person were to join the Clinton County office, Daniel said he would like to expand his position to include more night meetings with township trustees, be more involved with the Clinton County Regional Planning Commission, and take continuing training classes to better keep up with changes in the field.
Clinton County Commissioner Kerry R. Steed asked whether Warren County Building & Zoning might provide clerical or other resources for a period of time to the Clinton County Building & Zoning Office. Going the route of contracted services could save money compared with hiring a new employee at this time, said Steed, adding that it seems Clinton County is “not quite there yet” for “potentially needing an additional person.”
Daniel said he has spoken with Warren County Building & Zoning officials, and they don’t want to do anything with respect to Clinton County zoning.
Steed also said Clinton County “is on the cusp of expansion, whether jobs, housing, or corporations adding or expanding to facilities.”
Clinton County Commissioner President Mike Curry suggested taking Daniel’s personnel request to executive session later in the meeting to talk about part-time/full-time and what the pay range could be.
Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.
