I’m writing to clarify any misunderstandings regarding Cuyahoga County’s Division of Building Standards (“Cuyahoga County hiring for new building department to open next year,” cleveland.com, Feb. 23). Startup funds for the Division are not coming from the county’s general fund but will come entirely from Real Estate Assessment funds, which can only be used in limited ways, as governed by state law. Cuyahoga County’s creative use of these funds will help us better assess property improvements and increase revenues for essential county services.

For decades, municipalities statewide have suffered a shortage of licensed building inspectors. As a result, mayors must poach staff from other cities, spend precious general fund dollars to prop up building departments, or pay high fees to the few third-party corporations monopolizing the building inspection market. Ultimately, these increased costs are passed on to our residents.