The city of Rochester Hills has entered into a partnership to share building inspectors with the city of Sterling Heights at no cost to either city.
An interlocal agreement between the two cities allows each to request from the other personnel assistance to conduct building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and plan review services on an as-needed basis. Though limited to building department services, the agreement creates additional opportunities for future consideration.
“The landscape of local governments is changing and evolving,” said Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett. “Our city council and this administration have been progressive in finding innovative solutions.”
Rochester Hills initiated the discussion. Both city councils supported the agreement.
“This agreement is a win for everyone involved, both of our communities and all of the customers we serve,” said Hills Building Director Scott Cope. “It provides us the resources we need to keep providing the service that our customers have grown to expect.”
“Service sharing has become an effective way to deal with losses in manpower while still meeting the service demands of our customers,” said Sterling Heights Building Official Michael Viazanko. “It also helps us keep our inspections on schedule, which is something our contractors appreciate.”
Rochester Hills has implemented several service sharing agreements that include the areas of police, fire and dispatch services, the Clinton River Watershed Council and Shelby Township.
