First and second quarter county building reports released

WHITMAN COUNTY - Whitman County Building Inspector Dan Gladwill gave his first and second quarter building report to county commissioners July 6.

For the first quarter, total valuations were $2,398,240, a five-year high for generally-slow first quarters. Total fees were $27,670.

“I was a little surprised they were as good as they were,” said Gladwill. “We had a really good first quarter... high side of average.”

For the second quarter, with the economy slowed because of the virus, permits and subsequent property valuations nonetheless continued.

Total valuations were $5,068,865, another five-year high. Total fees were $26,365.

“It was a little bit low. A lot of the construction was cell towers,” Gladwill said, referring to replacing one tower and modifications on a list of others, which are low-permit fee items.

What is expected for the third quarter?

“I've stopped guessing this year,” said Mark Storey, Public Works director. “It doesn't work well this year.”