I'm with gfretwell on this - I know that out here in CA, since our Governator decided to start keeping the city & county portion state sales tax revenues to help balance the state budget, all the local cities (& counties) are running budget deficits and eating thru whatever reserves they may have had. They simply must cut spending by cutting services and staff.
Is that the right place to cut? No, but each city makes their own determination as to what's most important. One thing I learned a couple of years ago is that in order to even be a city in the first place, you have to demonstrate certain capabilities, like being able to provide police services, etc. I don't know the specifics, and maybe the Building Department side of Public Safety isn't an issue. Something to look into tho . . .
Anyone have more specifics on basic city qualifications? I would think that maybe there are legal means for the local citizens to force the city to provide Bldg Dept services.
Radar
