COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners brought forward a request during their Thursday work session to increase the rates being paid to building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical inspectors.
The Branch County Building Department has contracted out for such inspections over the years. County Administrator Frank Walsh said in his memo to the Commissioners they are not seeking any increase in the fees they assess the end user at this time but he indicated inspection fees could go up during the budget process.
Various inspectors have requested an increase to $55 per inspection to be paid by the Branch County Building Department from the current rate of $52.25 after they met with Walsh last month.
The current rates have been in effect since January of 2024. Pending formal action by the Commissioners on Tuesday, the new rates would go into effect on July 1.
Walsh says the higher rate is being requested due to the increased costs to perform inspections and the educational training the inspectors must attend. The rate of inflation along with the cost of general liability insurance, vehicle maintenance and fuel were listed as other factors
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