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Hernando Today

County Building Boss Sent A Message

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: December 30, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - On the same day they appointed Joe Creech interim building official, county commissioners also sent a clear message to him and his staff: Improve customer service and efficiency.

"We're looking for a much better team effort," County Commission Chairwoman Rose Rocco said.

Rocco said she's heard from contractors that customer service is lacking. Builders have complained of long waits in securing permits.

County Commissioner Jim Adkins offered Creech a challenge: Be "more friendly" toward builders and homeowners and expedite the permitting and inspecting process.
Creech said he would try and fulfill that challenge, thanks to what he calls a superior management team in his department.

"This department is going to work toward that as a group, not an individual," he said.

Creech, who has been with the building department since 2000 and is currently the deputy building official, will begin his duties Thursday, Jan. 1.

When former Building Official Grant Tolbert retired in September 2008, county commissioners contracted his duties through the remainder of 2008 to a private firm, Quorum Services.

The county estimates it will save an estimated $99,514 by ending that arrangement and appointing Creech.

At a Dec. 16 meeting, two citizens complained that the county did not advertise the position and open it up to others in the community.
County Administrator David Hamilton defended the appointment by saying the county has appointed managers before and he didn't believe committing to a long-term person in the job would be prudent given that the building department may be undergoing a reorganization sometime in 2009.

Hamilton admitted Creech was taking the interim helm "at a very challenging time."

The Building Division is an enterprise fund and operates on revenues collected from the issuance of building permits. That revenue has been affected by the downturn in the construction industry.

There are about 47 full-time employees in all divisions in the department, which includes building, zoning, contractor licensing, landscaping and commercial development.

That's about 20 less than the department had this time last year.

"We have the best left," Creech said.

Wayne Dukes, who ran unsuccessfully for county commissioner this year, said the top concern from residents he talked to during his campaign was the building department.

"And it's all been negative," Dukes said.

Dukes said Creech's name was tied to some of that dissatisfaction and he hopes the planned reorganization will address some of the image problems.

Michael Burmann, who also ran for county commissioner and lost this year, said one of the main problems with building department officials is that there is no consistency from inspectors in interpreting Florida building codes.

Hernando County has a reputation for being tougher in its code regulations than other areas in the region and that is discouraging many builders, said Burmann, a state home inspector.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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