The Summit county building department already handles the permitting process for 26 towns in Summit County, and will add Akron's applications to its' case load at the start of next year. Mayor Don Plusquellic says the combination saves as much as $300 thousand in taxpayer money, mostly by eliminating job duplication. However, union reps for the 17 workers in the city's department are trying to ensure jobs aren't lost by "it's" membership.
The cloud that hangs over the city department, and partly contributed to the move to disbanding the unit, stems from an investigation into possible misconduct by four people, including the chief of the department, Greg Burgoon. He has already resigned, but the state Department of Commerce will determine Friday whether to penalize the city before the takeover takes effect.
Matt Mullins is a Commerce Department Spokesperson in Columbus:
MULLINS:
"Staff of the board of building standards looked into the alleged violations, and the board proposed to revoke or suspend the certification of the building department. Recomendations will be made to the board and the board will decide on that matter."
Such actions, if they happen, would not necessarily be permanent, and Akron could apply to reopen its operation.
The state does not have the authority to change or restrict the combining of departments.