2021 City of Shakopee Budget

93

Budget Impact: Shakopee's Inspectors are in the field whether it is a beautiful summer day or it’s twenty degrees and snowing. They work with everyone from homeowners to house builders to large industrial builders. The city hired a full time electrical inspector in 2019. Since that time, we have been fortunate to have a Master Electrician as an Inspector. He has the experience to be able to explain to a homeowner how a breaker works to work with a large industrial user installing a generator to ensure power even if electricity fails. The city went 100% paperless in 2019, which allowed plans to still be submitted during COVID and technology and safety practices allowed inspections to continue without missing even a day. With people home all the time, many began projects that had been delayed. The city experienced record permit numbers for decks and fences in 2020. In 2021 the city will be implementing a new permit poral and software that will allow on line inspection scheduling and provide the ability for applicants to track permit reviews in real time. The city's exceptional inspection staff was able to file complaints with the State of Minnesota this year on a contractor that was not properly completing work or permits. The State found them guilty and fined them and prohibited certain sales tactics. Another example how the city Inspection staff looks out for residents safety. The City was awarded a Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Building Official Training Grant that will provide $65,000 of annual funding per year for 2 years to hire a new Building Official.

EMPLOYEES

PERCENT OF GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES

8.1

7.1

7.1

Building Inspections 4.2%

5.1

Actual 2018 Actual 2019 Budget 2020 Budget 2021

Number of Employees (FTEs)