Anderson Planning Dept. lays off 2, permit values drop by nearly 50%

Anthony Higgins

BUILDING IN DECLINE:
When compared with the previous year, the value of new construction in Anderson has been cut in half for fiscal year 2007-2008, which ended June 30.

City of Anderson planner Monta Duweling and building inspector Steve Ayers were laid off Monday, as the City of Anderson posted its lowest mid-year (June 30) building permit valuations since 2001 at $5,165,961. That figure is 43 percent lower than 2007’s year-to-date total by June 30, according to Scott Morgan, city manager.

Morgan added that the valuations would be under $15 million this year.

The permit valuations are used as an indicator of growth and ultimately relate to property tax, according to Planning Director John Stokes.

“We’re still seeing commercial activity, but housing is flat slow,” said Anderson Planning Director John Stokes in regards to summer growth. “The layoffs are directly related to the amount of building permits and planning permits coming in. It’s real slow.”

The layoffs were “driven by economic conditions,” Morgan said. “We budget our resources according to that.”

Early this year, the construction of Blue Oaks Apartments and the Gaia at Anderson involved a great deal of inspections, but as the projects neared completion, there has been less work available for building staff.

Duweling worked for the city for over seven years, while Ayers was recently hired in December, 2007. Stokes added that the positions would not be filled “unless building activity picks back up.”

The layoff also comes on the heels of a June decision by the City Council for a 3 percent pay raise for 13 city employees with management status. The raise was provided to keep management from losing ground against union employees, who received a similar cost of living adjustment through their agencies.

Building permits of note during May and June included the permits for Integrity Heating and Air’s new building at 5312 Industrial Way, valued at $1,002,441, and the replacement of Koffee Korner, valued at $500,000.

Later this year, Morgan said he expected to see a permit for the new Rite Aid on McMurry Drive and office space in place of the old City Grille on North Street. In six months, Morgan added that the next Regency Place apartment complex would be built.