City considering collaboration with county

Wickliffe Mayor John Barbish continues to explore ways to be more efficient.

At a recent City Council meeting, he discussed an opportunity to collaborate with the Lake County Building Department.

“The county won’t absorb our building department fully, but it puts the inspections on them and allows us to focus on property maintenance enforcement, the aesthetics of the city,” he said. “We will lose about $31,552 from residential building permits, residential HVACs and residential sewer. But again, it will help as time goes on. We are looking to make some changes and be more effective.”

Longtime Wickliffe resident Patricia Jewell said she is concerned about the proposed changes.

“I’m hearing that we’re going to lose $31,000 a year because we’re starting to outsource things,” Jewell said. “I’m concerned about personnel. I’m concerned because the city has always taken care of itself. We’ve always worked together in this city.”

She urged Barbish and council members to be careful when making decisions that significantly impact the community.

“It was not a hastily made decision,” Barbish reassured her.

He explained that he recently met with Lake County Administrator Jason Boyd, Lake County Chief Building Official Dave Strichko and Councilman Joseph Sakacs to discuss it in more detail.

“It comes a time where we have to do what is in the best interest for our city and that means efficiency,” he said. “It doesn’t mean we’re getting rid of our building department. It’s not all or nothing.”

Other benefits of collaborating with the Lake County Building Department include upgraded technology/easier process; fewer complaints; immediate savings, as the city will still register contractors and take permit fees for roofs, sidewalks, etc; consistency in the process and a 60-day window to switch back if the program does not work, according to Bar-

“It comes a time where we have to do what is in the best interest for our city and that means efficiency. It doesn’t mean we’re getting rid of our building department. It’s not all or nothing.” — Wickliffe Mayor John Barbish