Huntley partners with Algonquin on building services

Huntley hopes to save big bucks by outsourcing both building and plan review services to Algonquin officials.

As part of the plan, Craig Arps, Algonquin’s building commissioner, would help Huntley staff when it comes to adopting building codes, explaining existing codes to architects, developers, contractors, residents and other interested people.

Algonquin would also evaluate whether structures are habitable, as well as review plans and specifications for building construction and repairs before issuing permits to ensure they comply with Huntley’s standards.

In return, Huntley would pay Algonquin $79.67 an hour when time is spent in Huntley — that fee includes travel time. Huntley would also pay $58 an hour for miscellaneous plan reviews, but the costs go up depending on the project.

Moreover, Algonquin would charge $79.67 an hour for the technical assistance it provides to Huntley staff and residents, whether it’s in person, over the phone or via email, according to the two-year agreement.

The Huntley board approved the deal last week, while Algonquin trustees are scheduled to vote on it Tuesday.

Huntley had an open position for director of plan review and inspections that paid $75,000 a year.

But by going the intergovernmental agreement route, “We can purchase it cheaper than having a full-time person on staff,” Huntley Trustee Harry Leopold said.

The agreement works for Algonquin because development has slowed down substantially there, Arps said.

“We’re not as busy as we were several years ago,” Arps said, adding that Algonquin may also pick up the larger projects Huntley now sends to another agency. “Our turnaround time would be quicker.”