May 11, 2023 |
Photo – Saratoga Town Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Saratoga Planning Commission continued the discussion of whether the town needs a zoning officer or not.
Saratoga has been without a zoning officer for over two years. A zoning officer issues building permits and conducts building inspections, among other duties. During Tuesday’s planning commission meeting, Chairwoman McCall Burau said the commission hasn’t come to a consensus on changes to the salary and working hours of the zoning officer position. Burau said Mayor Chuck Davis has chosen to act as the town’s zoning officer instead of hiring someone specifically for the job.
Burau said she needed to convince Mayor Davis that the town would benefit from having a dedicated zoning officer. She said the town’s rules allow the planning commission to have a zoning officer. Burau read a summary of the officer’s duties.
Burau said the zoning officer has additional responsibilities. The planning commission chairwoman said a zoning officer handles all permits and keeps records of what permits have been issued. Burau said the zoning officer would also present a monthly update to the planning commission and attend their meetings. Mayor Davis said Certified Professional Inspector Andrew Myers provides building inspections at this time. The mayor said he handles the remaining obligations.
Mayor Davis said he would like the town to have a zoning officer, but the budget may not support the position. The mayor said the town’s expenses have increased and income has decreased. Mayor Davis said he needs to ensure the town can pay for the four most important services. All other departments have a lower priority.
Burau said a zoning officer should act as an intermediary between the town and contractors. She said mistakes have been made because the town lacks a person in the position.
Mayor Davis agreed that hiring a zoning officer would benefit the town. However, the mayor said the funding may not exist to pay for the position. Burau suggested the town pull money from other departments to cover the zoning officer’s salary. Mayor Davis was adamant that the money wouldn’t come from the police department.
Planning Commission Secretary Lindy Glode said the town needs a zoning officer to spot dangerous code violations. Glode said the planning commission is obligated to protect residents from harm.
The commission discussed turning the zoning officer into a part time position or combining the job with the duties of the Public Works Director. No matter what path the town chooses to take, Burau said someone is needed to enforce the town’s ordinances uniformly.
Burau said to Mayor Davis that it shouldn’t be the responsibility of the planning commission to persuade him of the importance of having a zoning officer. Burau said the position existed in the past and should continue to exist. Mayor Davis said he wouldn’t divert money from the four most important services.
Mayor Davis instructed Burau to attend tonight’s budget workshop and make her case for a zoning officer. During the budget hearings, the town can determine if it can pay for a full-time or part-time zoning officer or if the town should combine the position with the public works director.
