West Point City Council Votes to Outsource Housing Inspections

UPDATE: The West Point City Council has just announced plans to outsource all new housing inspections to Charles Abbott Associates, a move aimed at addressing the overwhelming workload faced by the city’s building inspector. During a work session on January 16, 2025, Community Development Director Dennis Dutton confirmed that the city has been collaborating with Charles Abbott Associates to streamline inspections for commercial and multi-family developments, and now seeks to expand this partnership to include single-family and duplex housing.

Dutton stressed the urgency of outsourcing these inspections due to the building inspector being “overloaded” with calls, making it critical for the city to enhance its efficiency. The proposed amendment to the current contract will also cover inspections related to soil erosion, ensuring comprehensive oversight of new developments.

If approved, the council’s decision on February 9 will allow for all inspection data to be maintained in an accessible database, benefiting both city officials and the public’s open records requests. A representative from Charles Abbott Associates indicated that the amended contract would also reduce costs, promising to “give more money back to the community.”

In addition to the housing inspections, the council is set to appoint two representatives for West Point on the Troup County Parks & Recreation Commission. These positions will be filled by candidates from the community, with a deadline for selection by February 9.

During the meeting, Bill Sharp, owner of the Avenue E apartments that suffered a fire on January 12, expressed gratitude for the city’s swift relief efforts. He praised the fire department for their response and thanked council members for coordinating donations to assist displaced tenants. “Nobody got hurt, not even a scratch, and we got them all situated. I really appreciate it,” Sharp stated, assuring the council of his commitment to fully rebuilding the apartments.

As the city prepares for the upcoming vote, residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed about these significant developments that will shape West Point’s housing landscape. The council’s actions not only reflect immediate operational changes but also highlight their commitment to community engagement and public safety.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds and the February 9 vote approaches.