Bryant Thigpen
Suwannee Democrat
Live Oak —
County Administrator Randy Harris told the Suwannee County Commissioners on Thursday that he would be advertising and looking to hire a licensed building inspector. For the past three years, Patrick Taylor has served as the county’s interim building official, operating with a provisional license. Since Taylor is not licensed to perform all inspections, Harris told the board it was in the best interest of the county to advertise the position.
According to Harris, a provisional license is given to someone to function in the capacity as building inspector for a limited amount of time while the individual studies and takes a test to become licensed.
Taylor’s current certifications restrain him from inspecting commercial buildings and only allows him to perform residential inspections. For some time, the county has been operating on an agreement with the city of Live Oak’s building inspector to handle the county’s commercial building inspections.
“The county has the bulk of inspections, so it’s imperative we have somebody who is licensed to do the job,” Harris said.
Harris said he is aware of Taylor making two attempts to take the test. The first time he was scheduled to take the test, Taylor said they sent him the wrong exam. Just prior to Christmas, Taylor took the exam but failed to pass it. Harris also noted that Taylor’s provisional license has expired.
“He has had three years to take the test and has had ample opportunity,” Harris said. 
While candidates are being interviewed, Taylor will maintain his position as the county’s interim building official.
“He still has time to take the test and to apply for the job and he’ll be considered like everyone else,” Harris said.
