UPDATE: The West Point City Council has just announced plans to outsource all new housing inspections to Charles Abbott Associates during a critical work session on February 6, 2024. Community Development Director Dennis Dutton emphasized the necessity of this move due to the current building inspector being overwhelmed with inspection requests.
This urgent decision comes as the city seeks to streamline the housing inspection process for both single-family and duplex properties. Dutton’s proposal aims to amend the existing contract with Charles Abbott Associates to encompass all new housing inspections, including vital soil erosion assessments. This will facilitate a more efficient inspection system, with all data stored in a centralized database accessible for city officials and the public.
Dutton cited the increasing number of calls related to housing as a driving force behind this outsourcing initiative. He stated, “Our building inspector has been overloaded, and this move will help alleviate that pressure.” While the city shifts inspections to Charles Abbott Associates, the building inspector will continue to handle code enforcement and manage properties that require nuisance and abatement actions.
In a promising development, a representative from Charles Abbott Associates confirmed that the amended contract would come at a reduced rate, allowing the city to “give more money back to the community.” This financial relief could enhance local services and resources.
The council is set to vote on this significant amended contract at its next business meeting on February 9, 2024. This meeting will also address the filling of two positions on the Troup County Parks & Recreation Commission, with council members tasked to find candidates from West Point by the same date.
In a heartfelt moment during public comments, Bill Sharp, owner of the Avenue E apartments that were damaged in a fire on January 12, 2024, expressed gratitude for the city’s swift relief efforts. He praised the fire department’s response and the community support that helped displaced tenants regain stability. “Nobody got hurt, not even a scratch, and we got them all situated. I appreciate it,” Sharp remarked, assuring the council, “I’m going to fix the building 100%, it’s going to be top-shelf.”
As residents and officials prepare for the upcoming council meeting, the focus remains on how these changes will affect community safety and housing standards. The outsourcing of inspections marks a pivotal shift for West Point, addressing immediate concerns while aiming to improve long-term efficiency in city operations. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates as the council’s decision approaches.
