CM Wong questions OMB on DOB inspector position reductions

Thank you, Chair.

I have a question about the DOB on cutting off inspectors.

The executive plan includes seven new positions at DOB, but also includes savings as a result of the elimination of 16 positions at the department for a net decrease of nine positions.

This is extremely concerning as DOB plays a critical role in inspecting building hazards.

My question is how many DOB

B, inspector positions were part of the reduction of the executive plan, if any.

And can you confirm that no inspector vacancies will be reduced as a result of the headcount decrease in the executive plan?

Thank you.

Sure.

So I think first thing is that when we did the vacancy reduction exercise, we ensured that there would be flexibility for the agencies to make determinations based on their funded headcount.

At the same time, we wanted to make sure that revenue generating positions were not also being swept up in the vacancy reduction.

So DOB received seven new positions solely to help them execute the recommendations of the speed report.

And so the vacancy reduction exercises again, revenue generating exempt.

So it's up to the agency to make that determination.

Would you add anything?

Correct.

It is up to the agency to make that determination.

But, you know, inspectors is something that the agency does prioritize.

It would be self-defeating for us to pull inspector vacancies out of the agencies, and they do have 58 vacancies at the moment.

I see.

Thank you.