Possible Codes Consolidation

KIMA

Tools

Story Published: Nov 26, 2009 at 1:35 PM PDT

By Stacy Lilienthal

YAKIMA --- Help may soon be on the way for a Yakima department already cut to the core.

Eight years ago, the codes division had three people to handle fire inspections on buildings. But the staff has now been cut to a single person who is responsible for more than three thousand buildings a year. That number is increasing. "The work load as long as we're annexing and going farther west, our workload is picking up," Yakima Code Administration manager, Joe Caruso told Action News.

The Fire Department and the city are discussing consolidation. Chief Charlie Hines is all for it. Even though his department is overworked, he said many other cities already have that working relationship. It is a contractual change, so it could take time before inspections fall under the fire department.

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand

Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV.

Stay Connected