Flint maintenance departments seek more staffing in upcoming fiscal year

FLINT, Mich. – Like their peers in the city’s police and fire departments, officials in charge of Flint’s crucial maintenance systems will be looking for ways to increase staffing numbers in the upcoming budget season.

Members of the Flint City Council heard from representatives of Flint’s planning division and building safety department at an April 15, 2026 meeting as part of an ongoing series of discussions on the city’s budgeting needs.

A copy of the proposed fiscal year 2026–2027 budget and the forecasted fiscal year 2027–2028 budget is available on the city’s website or at the City Clerk’s Office.

One significant concern of Flint’s Building & Safety Inspections division is a lack of consistent, long-term candidates for inspector positions.

“Currently, we’d love to have an in-house plumbing inspector and mechanical inspector,” said Chief Building Official Mike Reiter. “We’ve had those jobs posted for multiple years.”

The department currently fills those roles through subcontracting, Reiter said.

A major “hurdle” in the way of hiring more regular inspectors is that in addition to having the right experience for the job, candidates need to be registered with the State of Michigan  — and the state has raised the bar to become a licensed inspector in recent years, Reiter said.

Reiter said the department could potentially pay for more staff positions if it were to raise fines for permit and safety violations, though it often takes too long for tickets and violations to go through the court system. 

“If it’s something as simple as raising the fees, I’d support that, and I’d gladly put something in front of this council,” said 7th Ward councilwoman Candice Mushatt. 

The Parks & Recreation Department will also be keeping an eye open for opportunities to increase staffing in the near future. The department is looking to hire two new full-time staffers for the positions of administrative analyst and park safety facilities specialist, said Parks Planner Diana Degner. 

Degner is currently the only full-time employee in Flint’s Parks and Recreation Department.

More budget presentations for other city departments are scheduled for the following dates: 

• Monday, April 20 – Water and Sewer / Transportation and Sanitation
• Wednesday, April 29 – Legal Department / Ombudsperson’s Office
• Monday, May 4 – Human Resources and Labor Relations / Finance Department

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley submitted his budget to council on March 2. The April 15 meeting was the third of six planned hearings meant to give council members opportunities to ask questions about how future funding could be allocated.