Taylor County building department faces staffing crisis ahead of December deadline

The Taylor County Board of County Commissioners meeting on January 1, 2025, focused on pressing issues surrounding the county's building department, particularly in the wake of recent storm-related recovery efforts. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for a qualified building official as the current temporary official, Bonnie Johnson, is set to leave by the end of December.

During the discussions, it was revealed that the building department is currently overwhelmed with applications for permits, yet none of the applicants possess the necessary licensure. The department is exploring options to contract out building official services to ensure continuity and compliance with Florida building codes, especially following the challenges posed by recent hurricanes.

The county is facing a significant backlog in permit processing, which has frustrated residents accustomed to quicker service. The building department's reliance on mutual aid from the state has proven unreliable, prompting the need for a more sustainable solution. The department is also considering increasing permit fees to cover the costs of contracting services, a move that may be discussed further in upcoming budget meetings.

Commissioners expressed concern about the financial implications of these changes, particularly in light of the county's budget constraints. The city of Taylor County, which contracts with the county for building services, was mentioned as a potential partner in sharing costs, although the specifics of their financial contributions remain unclear.

Overall, the meeting underscored the critical staffing challenges facing the building department and the need for immediate action to address the permit backlog and ensure compliance with building regulations. The board plans to revisit these issues in future discussions as they seek to stabilize the department and improve service delivery to residents.