Peru removes building inspector and gives the job to the fire chief

Whether you’re replacing your garage or your garage is on fire, it will most likely involve Fire Chief Jeff King.  His duties, job titles and pay have changed to make him a full-time and salaried fire chief and the building and zoning inspector.

The city council agreed to the changes Monday night.  King had been working as a part-time chief, fire marshall and safety director earning an estimated $15,000 to $16,000 annually.  As a full-time chief, fire marshall, safety director and inspector he’ll earn approximately $84,000 a year.

Alderman Rodney Perez says most towns the size of Peru have full-time fire chiefs.

As for being the inspector, the previous inspector, Frank Taylor, was removed from the job October 9.  Mayor Scott Harl won’t say that Taylor was fired.  Neither will the city’s human resource director, instead she says Taylor was given a letter and says his removal was involuntary.

Taylor was considered part-time and earned $27 an hour.