The City of Trail will check whether it can save money by providing its own building inspection.
City council heard last week that Trail is expected to pay about $340,000 this year to the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary for the service. Trail’s contribution accounts for a little less than a quarter of the service’s overall budget.
According to a presentation from city manager Colin McClure, the price of building inspection is expected to go up to $352,000 in 2027, $362,000 in 2028, and $373,000 in 2029.
Councillor Nick Cashol wondered if the city could save money by handling the service in-house.
“I understand the building inspector would probably cost the city $120,000 [to] $140,000. Maybe we can get a used pickup truck for them to use and we might be in the gravy,” Cashol said. However, he added that he may be overlooking something, so he asked for a staff report to consider the feasibility of hiring someone.
The rest of council agreed.
“I think it is our responsibility to look at different ways to save money for the taxpayers,” mayor Colleen Jones said. “So I think it’s a good idea.”
The motion passed unanimously.
Council also agreed to invite the RDKB’s chief administrator and other staff to a council meeting to provide a further explanation of parts of the RDKB budget.
Figures McClure presented to council showed the RDKB’s total requisition for services this year is close to $21 million, of which the City of Trail’s share is $7.7 million. That’s up from $19.5 million and $7.3 million respectively in 2025.
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