08-12-09 Mayor’s Office, Building Department downsize staff

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lobbyist. Previously, the Mayor’s Office eliminated funding for a state lobbyist. In addition, the department eliminated its two take-home cars, including one for the Mayor. Budget line items related to promotion were reduced by more than $35,000. The City retains membership only in the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, having cut resources available for dues with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The consolidated Building Department serves both the City of South Bend and St. Joseph County, operating as a self-supporting “enterprise fund” – generating revenue from fee- based services rather than from property taxes. With a decline in construction resulting from the global economic crisis, Building Department revenues also have declined. The Building Department’s proposed 2010 budget of $1,241,746 represents a 5 percent decrease from 2009. Over the past few years, the department has cut a secretary and a zoning specialist, while leaving two vacant inspector positions unfilled. “It started out as a contingency,” said Building Commissioner Charles C. Bulot. “We’re always trying to be as efficient as possible. … Although we probably could have hired the personnel to fill out those positions, we chose to go with what we had. … Our efficiency turned out to be a blessing in disguise.” To improve efficiency, the department is in the process of implementing new computer- based permitting software, from which it anticipates a 50 percent savings in annual paper costs. Still, the staff reductions have impacted the department’s ability to respond to zoning complaints in the county, and reduced sources available for education and training by 50 percent. “It is important that our inspectors remain certified. Part of that certification is directly related to a minimum number of required education-class hours,” Bulot said. “Education allows the inspectors to maintain their currency in the workplace.” Also presenting Wednesday was the City’s Human Rights Commission, which is reducing its budget 14 percent to $403,668 in 2010, including cutting an administrative assistant position to reduce staff from 7 to 6. The Council’s Personnel and Finance Committee has added an additional hearing at 11 a.m. Friday to review the revised 2010 budgets for the Police and Fire departments. - 30 -