Retired physician urges use of $250,000 budget item for in‑house performance evaluation and AI‑assisted permitting oversight

Jeffrey G. Lawson (retired rheumatologist) praised the council's experience mix and suggested a practical use for a budgeted line item in the 2025 county budget.

"I hope that the $250,000 priced in the 2025 county budget by Councillor Long for a performance evaluation be used initially in house to evaluate employee time management, zooming on-site building code inspections and the use of AI to complete building permits," Lawson said, adding that every AI test should be reviewed by an experienced employee to avoid unintended impacts on employment and accuracy.

Lawson framed the recommendation as a way to reduce overtime expenditures, improve inspections and move toward responsible technology adoption while protecting staff. The committee did not take a formal vote on this suggestion during public comment.