Marion seeking new building inspector
Staff writer
Building inspector James Masters soon will leave Marion for a full-time position with Council Grove, prompting a search for a replacement.
A replacement may be hard to find, city administrator Brian Wells said, “Because of his caliber of work”.
Masters’ final day is Thursday.
The city has advertised the position through code-enforcement associations across Kansas but had not yet received applications, Wells said.
Until the position is filled, inspection duties likely will be divided among Wells, city police, and city’s electricians.
No projects are expected to be delayed because of the transition.
Masters worked in Council Grove before being hired by Marion. He said the opportunity to return appealed largely because it was closer to home.
Council Grove city administrator Nick Jones said Masters left the city a few years ago on good terms .
“We’ve always talked about him coming back,” Jones said, “and we had an opportunity to bring him back, so that’s what we did.
“James is a great guy, and has done a good job everywhere he’s been, so we’re excited to get him back.”
The Council Grove council voted 6-0 May 5 meeting to offer Masters the job full-time.
Masters said there have been discussions about whether he might continue working for Marion in a limited capacity after the transition but that no arrangement has been made.