West Point City Council Approves Urgent Housing Inspection Outsourcing

UPDATE: The West Point City Council has taken decisive action to outsource new housing inspections to Charles Abbott Associates, addressing an urgent need for efficient building oversight. During a work session on February 7, 2023, Community Development Director Dennis Dutton presented plans to amend the existing contract with the company, which already manages inspections for commercial and multi-family housing.

Dutton emphasized the critical need for this change, citing an overwhelming influx of housing-related calls that have left the city’s building inspector “overloaded.” By expanding the contract to include inspections for all new housing—both single-family and duplexes—as well as soil erosion, the city aims to streamline processes and improve service delivery.

This move will consolidate all of West Point’s building inspections under one umbrella, ensuring that inspection data is easily accessible for city officials and the public alike. Dutton stressed the importance of maintaining transparency and efficiency through a centralized database, which will enhance open records requests.

A representative from Charles Abbott Associates revealed that the amended contract would come with a reduced rate, signaling a potential financial benefit for the community. “This is an opportunity to give more money back to the community,” they stated, highlighting the positive impact of this transition.

The city council is set to vote on this amended contract at its next business meeting on February 9, 2023. This pivotal decision is expected to reshape how West Point manages its housing inspections, setting a precedent for future operations.

In other council business, members also discussed filling two positions on the Troup County Parks & Recreation Commission. Candidates from West Point will be appointed to these roles, with appointments expected to be finalized by the upcoming meeting.

During the public comment session, Bill Sharp, owner of the Avenue E apartments, expressed gratitude for the city’s support following a recent fire incident on January 12. Sharp praised the fire department’s quick response and the community’s efforts to assist displaced tenants. “Nobody got hurt, not even a scratch, and we got them all situated. I really appreciate it,” he said, affirming his commitment to fully rebuild the damaged apartments.

As the council prepares for its critical vote on February 9, residents are encouraged to stay informed about these developments that directly impact their community. The potential outsourcing of housing inspections and the filling of key positions in local governance represents a significant shift in West Point’s approach to urban management and community service.