The struggling Larimer County Building Department will implement several staff furlough days and office closures starting next month.
Department officials blame the economic downturn for decreased revenues. The Building Department is supported by fees it collects for building permits issued in unincorporated Larimer County and does not receive county funds or tax dollars, a news release said.
Sinking revenues over the last few years have led to staff reductions and a decrease in the level of service, the release said.
In December, it said, the “amount of revenues from building permits dramatically decreased.” The slide has since continued.
Beginning Monday, Building Department offices in Fort Collins and Estes Park will implement the new policy, which includes two mandatory furlough days a month for staff — equaling a 10 percent cut in their pay. The office also will start closing on the second and fourth Mondays of every month beginning June 8.
The Building Department asks customers to visit the office on nonclosure days.
