As was predicted when a multi-county regional government entity dissolved earlier this year, the fate of a $3.9 million reserve fund for building codes services has ended up being a key point of contention. The state wants Wasco County to decide whether it will take over building codes services before the state starts the difficult task of figuring out how to divide the reserve among the counties.

Wasco County is poised to turn the building codes program over to the state on a permanent basis but doesn’t want to make that decision until officials hear from contractors, developers and community members. A dialogue about the issue is planned for the Sept. 19 county commission meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. at the county courthouse, 511 Washington St.

With the relief of knowing Hood River County won’t seek to curtail its jail subsidy payment, the regional jail budget committee approved a proposed budget with no staff changes on April 26.

Many local contractors are anxious about the state’s takeover of the building codes division since much of the state’s plans for the local office, from an office phone number to new staff and inspection procedures are still uncertain.

Wasco County Commissioners are seeking input from contractors before responding to a letter from the state Building Codes Division about how a new program will be run.

The Dalles City Council decided Monday not to change the status quo for how planning and building code services are handled, although officials remain interested in negotiating with Wasco County to combine programs.