Building inspector says permit fees fall short

Losing money inspecting farm structures, Whitman County is considering increases to its fees to permit those buildings.

Building Official Dan Gladwill reported to county commissioners Tuesday he collected $2,700 in fees to permit ag structures. Those same buildings, if permitted without the ag exemption would have generated around $17,000 in fees.

In 2009, responding to limits set by the legislature, Whitman County reduced its fees to permit ag buildings so farmers paid only Gladwill’s time on the permit and his fuel to inspect the buildings.

Now, said Gladwill, that isn’t supporting his offic...