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Agenda Page 8 of 11 costs would be slightly more than the contracted rate (approximately $1,972.00 more). These calculations include salary and benefits, are based on the 2012 pay scale, and are estimates only. The current contract for services is for $50 per hour. Since the City does not pay vacation time to the contracted employee, the maximum number of hours paid for a full-time equivalent is 2,000 hours ($50 x 2,000 hours = $100,000). Savings would still be realized in monitoring contracted inspection hours and using only as needed. Finally, it is anticipated that the rate may increase slightly if the City chooses to continue to contract for Building Official services, which is in addition to the original scope of the contract. The current supervision structure is proposed to remain in place, with the Development Services Manager leading the Planning Division and the Building Division. Note: The two (2) individuals currently serving Ramsey in contracted services would not be eligible for an internal recruitment. It is important to note that the contract with Inspectron includes a 'buy- out' clause if the City chooses to hire a current employee of Inspectron within one (1) of said employee providing service to the City. Said buy-out would be 10% of the employee's first year annual salary with the City. Alternatives Alternative #1 - Recruit for a full-time, regular employee to serve as the Building Official. Based on the size of the City, size of the organization and department, and sustained permit levels, Staff recommends that the City recruit a full-time regular Building Official. Based on the Development Services Manager's observations over the past two (2) years, this appears to be the most efficient way for the City to deliver the services of administering the Building Code. Staff is comfortable is making this recommendation, as it appears to be fairly budget neutral in the early stages of the pay scale of the position. In terms of long-range goals for the Community Development Department, Staff recommends that this is the most logical way to deliver the services in an efficient, consistent, and quality manner. Alternative #2 - Remain with the current contracted employee arrangement for Building Official services. For reasons already mentioned above, Staff does not recommend this alternative at this time. That being said, the current arrangement has worked in an effective manner. Staff would be comfortable in continuing this arrangement if the City Council is comfortable with the current service levels and potential for more frequent turnover in the position. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize Staff to begin a recruitment to hire a regular, full- time Building Official. Funding Source: The Building Official position, whether a regular, full-time employee or contracted services, is a component of the General Fund. Expenses of the Building Division are paid by Building Permit revenue collected when Building Permits are issued. Assuming revenue projections in the 2013 budget are met, the costs of the position would already be covered as part of the current Professional Services Line Item. In response to revenue projections, the base permit levels are currently exceeding those year to date in 2012. Council Action: http://156.142.212.178:8080/print all.cfm?seq=692&reloaded=true 5/22/2013