From these preliminary findings, we were able to lay out some possible pros and cons for contracting out.

Contracting communities must adopt and enforce a plumbing Code which is in the interest of consumers. Because the County does not provide the inspectors or conduct the inspections, this is a reduction in administrative and personnel costs for the County. And the County is able to maintain a supervisory roleover the municipalities.

Possible cons again include potential health risks associated with inspectors not appropriately trainedas plumbers. Also, although the County oversees the work being done by the supervisors, they do not do the actual inspections and thus have no ability to directly monitor theplumbing work. And they receive a small portion of fees collected and thus the County’s General Fund sees a loss in gross revenue.