MESA — Several employees are raising concerns over deep cuts in Mesa's development services department, which they say could lower the quality of building inspections.
Of the looming $62 million city budget cuts, this department is bearing a $10 million ax between the rest of this fiscal year and the next. It's also losing 71.5 full-time equivalent positions, half its current staff level.
Karen Mikus, a senior city plans examiner who does fire code inspections, and Bob Gould, a senior building plans examiner, have been vocal about their concerns to the City Council.
"They're wiping us out," Mikus said. "They're taking everybody with expertise."
Gould described building safety in an e-mail as "the first line of defense."
City inspectors typically review structures for compliance with building and fire codes.
People are also reading…
Both Mikus and Gould are on the list of cuts, but Mikus said she doesn't want to be seen as a disgruntled employee, because she's well-known enough in the state to be snapped up by another employer.
Christine Zielonka, director of the new department, said the remaining staff will be able to handle the inspections. They will be cross-trained, will be able to get additional certifications, and the city will outsource inspections if need be, she said.
Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said at a City Council meeting Thursday that he wasn't concerned about the city's "ability to attract people who know the code and know the business."
Smith added that the city won't sacrifice overall protection.
