Discussions continue between Allen County and the Lima-Allen County Building Department on the future of the contract between them.
Thursday, both sides were at the table, again. The building department, housed within the City of Lima, presenting commissioners with a proposal for changes to make them more business-friendly. Commissioners say they have heard repeated complaints from businesses who have had issues with the building department to the extent that they won't work with them. Commissioner Greg Sneary says the companies won't come forward publically because they fear retaliation.
"We have heard that about retaliation, we've heard that numerous times and that's a shame, you should never be afraid of your government on any different level that there is at all but we have been told that on numerous occasions and that's the reason they're not publically coming forward. We don't want it to be that way, we want it to be very just straightforward like any other office. It wouldn't matter if it was another county office if it was operated that way, I wouldn't like the idea of that, none of us would as far as that goes," commented Commissioner Sneary.
Representatives from the building department asked for specifics so they could address the concerns but none were given. Commissioners only stated that they have had multiple concerns brought to them. Lima's chief building official says they have implemented new procedures to better help the customer.
"I would like to think we're approachable to anyone that has concerns in that and I'm sorry that perception is out there. It's not needed, we're neighbors, part of the community, and we want to serve the communities," explained Amy Harpster, City of Lima chief building official.
Commissioners have been factfinding for nearly a year to see if they want to continue their contract with the Lima-Allen County Building Department or contract with the Miami County Building Department. Their decision making will come down to the best services offered as the contract has no financial exchange. They hope to have a decision within the next several months.
