Bloomfield, Simsbury Enter Shared Services Agreement for Building Official

Bloomfield, Simsbury Enter Shared Services Agreement for Building Official

In a joint initiative to provide high-quality services to residents in an efficient and cost-effective manner, the Towns of Simsbury and Bloomfield have entered into a shared services agreement for a Building Official.  Under the terms of the agreement, Bloomfield will contract with Simsbury for the services of Simsbury’s Deputy Building Official.  “This was a perfect opportunity for regional collaboration,” said Simsbury First Selectwoman Lisa Heavner.  “Both Towns need these services and both Towns need to control costs in a difficult budget environment.”  Bloomfield Town Manager Phil Schenck concurred.  “Bloomfield and Simsbury have a history of collaborating – most recently with a joint application for a grant to move forward with a Bloomfield-Tariffville multi-use trail connector – and this is just another effort to get the most for taxpayer dollars.”

Under the terms of the agreement, approximately 46% of the Building Official’s time would be spent providing services to Bloomfield.    Both Towns are experiencing an increase in the demands placed upon their Building Departments and both had considered hiring part-time employees.  The agreement is for a one-year period, at the end of which the parties will determine whether to continue the arrangement and whether or not to make modifications.

“This is consistent with our Board of Selectmen’s emphasis on finding regional opportunities for shared services and improved efficiencies, and I know that Bloomfield’s Council shares these goals as well,” added Heavner.  The agreement is conditioned upon final budget approvals by both towns.