The Knoxville City Council approved a service contract between the city and Veenstra And Kimm, Inc. for building inspection services at their meeting on Monday. 

Knoxville City Manager Heather Ussery says that recent changes in the city led them to seek a third-party for building inspections. 

“So, there’s been some recent changes in our planning and zoning department and anytime that happens, it’s good practice to be able to look at your current processes and see if there’s anything that needs to be changed or tweaked moving forward. And so, that’s kind of the position that we’re in right now.”

Ussery adds that the contract with Veenstra and Kimm, Inc. will be beneficial for the city as it continues to grow.

“They were a great option. They have combination inspectors is what they’re called, so basically they’re able to do all of the inspections. Building, electrical, and plumbing, they are certified to do those and we will be utilizing them for two reasons. One, being able to fill that interim process right away and then as well as the six months is giving us a good trial period to work with them, see if this structure is working for us. 

The contract between Knoxville and Veenstra and Kimm, Inc. is for six months and it will be reevaluated in December.