Muskego Likely Won't Retain Inspectors

Citing input from constituents to reconsider, a renewed discussion of whether to retain building inspection services within the city versus outsourcing revealed that aldermen are rethinking their positions.

Neil Borgman said he was approached by several constituents who said they like having the service remain as it is, and indicated he was going to change his vote.

City Planner Jeff Muenkel said at a that the two building inspector positions account for 86% of that division’s $160,000 in total wages and salaries. That number does not include the costs of any benefits.

Alderman Dan Soltysiak called himself "bullish on the city" and saw potential for growth as a reason to keep the service in-house.

"We all want Muskego to grow, to expand...and if developers are going to see outsourcing as a hinderance to working here, I'm not sure if this is the right time to be doing this."

"Our number one resource is open space...I see a lot of good things for the city in regard to growth. I don't know if this is a good time to be switching gears," he added.

Other Aldermen struggled with the decision, seeing the need to save costs, but reluctant to make any further staff cuts.

"I really thought we were done with cutting staff, so I really hate this," said Alderman Tracy Snead. "I trust that Jeff (Muenkel) has done his research."

Mayor Kathy Chiaverotti stood her ground, calling outsourcing a "smart business decision, and to delay a decision plays with employees' lives." She was adamant that outsourcing would not hinder new development, as Soltysiak had suggested.

A second straw poll indicated another tie, with Aldermen Snead, Werner and Schaumberg voting yes.  Alderman Noah Fiedler was not present but had previously voted yes on the previous straw poll.