"'The cost to process permits didn't cover the cost to the county for engineering and design approvals and inspections, so every permit was losing more money,' said Commissioner Steve Stuart.
That meant the county's general fund had to make up the difference, said Marty Snell, director of the development department. That wasn't a problem during a housing boom that peaked in 2005 when more than 7,000 residential permits were issued for new homes and remodeling projects here."
