The council previously approved an application for the State of Minnesota for two years of funding at $65,000 per year, towards the salary and training of a building official.

Seven municipalities were chosen for funding including Shakopee, Waite Park, Edina, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Alexandria and Prior Lake.

The program is designed to provide individuals with an in-depth knowledge of the various codes and to allow them to learn in the field from various experts and observe all types of construction from decks to industrial.

After the two year period, it is expected that they will pass the Building Official test.  Cities can then decide to hire the person or they can seek their own employment.

This program was designed to get more people into the building inspection field.

Currently, the Building Inspection Division is operating with a Building Official, a field inspector whom is also a Building Official and an Electrical Inspector.  The inspector that was a Master Plumber returned to his business.  Each inspector is on track to complete more than 2,000 inspection each for the year.

Revenues for 2020 are currently at over $2 million.  We anticipate that there will be an additional $400,000 in permit revenues by the end of this fiscal year.