Ben Maxson, Levy County Development Department director is introduced to the Levy County Commission.
By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter
Levy County Development Department Director Robert Boulette resigned unexpectedly on March 31 citing an excessive work load, but he managed to certify an electrical contractor and master electrician as his replacement before leaving on April 17.
County Coordinator Wilbur Dean introduced Ben Maxson, the interim Development Department director to the Levy County Commission on Tuesday. He was received warmly by a board which had been surprised by Boulette’s resignation.
“I think you come to the county at the right time for us. I’m very appreciative of your credential process and us not being completely dead in the water with Mr. Bob’s department and the fashion it was received. It could have left us in a really, really tight spot,” said Board Chairman Matt Brooks. “I had the pleasure of sitting down and speaking with Mr. Maxson and talking to him at length. I feel a lot more comfortable moving forward with the development department.”
In his letter of resignation Boulette said Maxson, a licensed building inspector, electrician and plans examiner, was able to become certified to administer the development department by completing the third and final examination online with “a proctor” watching him take the exam through a computer camera.
Boulette has accepted a job as a building inspector in Marion County. His resignation letter asked Dean to keep his resignation quiet “to keep nosey and vocal members of the public and media from asking unnecessary questions.”
“This decision was final a couple of months back, but I have been waiting around to see that Ben will be capable of running things. This decision is not negotiable. It has been a great experience working with you and the commissioners for the past year and a half and I was hoping to bring positive changes to the development department. After a great deal of consideration and discussion with my wife, I decided to go back to Marion County and finish out my career as a building inspector. The roles of being a Code Enforcement manager, Zoning Administrator, Floodplain manager, Fire Inspections coordinator, Building Official, Plans Examiner and Inspector are more than 1 person can effectively manage,” Boulette said.
Maxson lives in Levy County and is related by marriage to Jared Blanton, budget officer for the Clerk of Court. Human Resources Director Jacqueline Martin said the two men don’t work for the same agency and there is no workplace conflict in the two being related. Martin said Boulette told her Maxson’s certifications qualify him to run the Development Department. She has a copy of his certifications.
Maxson worked as a building inspector and plans examiner in Marion County before coming to Levy County to take the job of senior building inspector. His letter introducing himself to Dean said he really liked his job in Marion County.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my work so far as inspector and plans examiner in Marion County. I especially appreciate the fact that our work leaves a home or commercial building safer than when we came. If we do our job right, we can prevent some of the calls the emergency services respond to, such as fires, electrocutions, or drowning,” he said. “Safety and service are two words that sum up my calling, in my mind. In dealing with the local government, nothing is appreciated by the average homeowner or contractor like a prompt, professional response to a question or concern. This is what I am committed to and have been a part of in Marion County. I am also committed to excellent team of inspectors who are well qualified and trained to perform inspection and plan reviews in an efficient manner while verifying compliance with the minimum requirements of the Florida Building Code.”
Maxson is a graduate of Williston Central Christian Academy. His family moved to Levy County when he was 12 years old. He said he loves the quiet highways, the friendly people and the beautiful countryside.
“It just makes sense to me to apply for a position in Levy County to serve its people while doing what I love!” he said, concluding his letter to Dean.
Maxson will start at a salary of $69,992. Boulette, who had worked in the position for a year and a half was making $75,000. Martin said Maxson will serve a six month probation period. She said the county commission will decide whether the position becomes permanent when his probation ends.
The county didn’t advertise for Boulette’s replacement because the county promoted from within the ranks of its workforce. Advertising the position can be waived when someone is promoted.
Maxson currently supervises one building inspector and one part-time senior building inspector. The department was shorthanded during the building boom that preceded shutdown of the state’s economy to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
———————
Board of County Commission Regular Meeting April 21, 2020; Posted April 21, 2020
