Livingston has begun a search for a new building inspector and codes enforcement officer.
Walter Rutherford resigned after being hired a year ago. Livingston Mayor Lori Elder Burnett said if the process is anything like last year, she believes the city should not have a problem finding someone.
“We had multiple applicants at that time, and there were several qualified applicants then as well,” Burnett said. “So I do think from what I hear from other cities and counties that they are not plentiful, but I’m hopeful that we will have someone that fits our spot perfectly.”
Burnett said the city will be accepting applications until September 26 and then follow with interviews. Burnett said the position is very important in keeping the town clean and not cluttered.
“We want people to enter our town and you know say ‘Wow, this is really a great place to visit and pleasing to the eye,’” Burnett said. “And then I think it will also attract more businesses to want to come in and provide more jobs for the people of Livingston. There’s just a lot that goes into enforcing what’s on the books.”
Burnett said the position enforces building ordinances, inspects complaints, and ensures certain building projects are viable. Burnett said once the position is filled, the individual will have a lot of learning to do.
“They definitely will have to sit down and study what we have, because you know, if they haven’t been raised here or have not lived around here until recently, then, you know, there are some things that they will have to definitely study all of the codes and see what we do have that has to be enforced.”
Burnett said someone is filling in on the building inspector side of things, and Rutherford will serve as the codes enforcement officer until someone is hired to take his position. Burnett said the goal is to hire someone as soon as possible so there are no hiccups in the operation.