Wauconda says inspection contract saves money

Wauconda's plan to contract with a fire protection district for building inspections is one example of how cash-strapped local governments should combine resources in an effort to save taxpayers' money, officials said Wednesday.

Plans call for the village to pay the Wauconda Fire Protection District so its three fire-code inspectors can handle similar chores at the municipal level. The idea comes as part of this week's layoffs of six village employees.

Four of the dismissed workers were from Wauconda's building and zoning department. A revenue shortfall and a projected $1 million deficit in the tentative 2010-11 budget were cited as reasons for the layoffs. The village, which is grappling with financial woes similar to many other suburbs, expects to save $360,000 annually with the job cuts.

Village Administrator Dan Quick said it makes sense to have the fire inspectors take on those duties for his town, because they already are qualified for the job.

Quick and Mayor Mark Knigge said it's an example of how local governments should work together to save cash by ending duplication of services.

"When you think about it, it's the right thing to do," Quick said. "We're accountable to the taxpayers."

Approvals of the inspection proposal must be granted by the fire district board tonight and Wauconda village trustees Tuesday. The village would pay an extra $50,000 for the building inspections over one year, in addition to $1.95 million already paid for fire and ambulance service.

Quick said there is little new-home construction in the village because of the weak economy, so building inspections have dipped. He said there are perhaps 50 inspections per month.

Jon Fessler, the fire district's deputy chief, said he does not expect any problems having fire inspectors wear two hats. He said there may times when the three inspectors would perform fire-code work while checking if a structure meets village requirements.

Fessler said the village and fire district idea to share inspectors has been tried elsewhere. He said officials would closely monitor the arrangement to ensure both sides are served properly.

"It's an increased workload, there's no question about that," Fessler said.

Meanwhile, the Wauconda village board is expected to consider Tuesday whether to hire Rolf C. Campbell & Associates Inc. of Green Oaks to work on zoning issues previously handled by government employees.

Quick said Campbell would receive $65,000 to $70,000 for a year of zoning work as part of a series of cost-cutting moves by the village. He said the company would be limited to 60 hours a month.

In Lake County, debt-free Grayslake has been a longtime leader in hiring outside companies to perform village work.

Only three village employees are with Grayslake's public works department. Snow plowing is done by a private company hired by the village.