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Dostal hired for chief building official position

Rick Dostal was hired Monday by the Washington County Commission for the open chief building official position for the Southeast Ohio Building Department. (File Photo)

Rick Dostal was hired Monday by the Washington County Commission for the open chief building official position for the Southeast Ohio Building Department.

“We held interviews last week and thought Rick was the way the county should go,” said County Commissioner Jamie Booth. “He has the mannerisms and personality that we’re looking for in the (county’s) vision.”

He said having someone approachable and who understands what the builder is going through and the cost assessments involved is important.

Dostal became the interim chief building official after the recurring appointment for Chris Wilson was not renewed last month. Wilson had been with the department since 2015. Dostal has more than 45 years experience in different aspects of construction, from work in construction for the General Council Assemblies of God in Springfield, Mo., to work as building inspector in San Luis Obispo, Calif., Morro Bay, Calif., and Pittsburg, Calif.

“He was highly recommended both from county building department employees … the people he worked with … and by outsiders he had dealt with as an inspector,” Commission President Kevin Ritter said.

He said the board of commission had received three letters from outside companies that had worked with Dostal, which Ritter said was unusual.

“It speaks highly of Rick and his abilities,” he added.

He said Dostal’s outlook is very similar to that of the commissioners.

“His desire is to help businesses meet requirements, rather than place roadblocks in their way,” Ritter said. “Rick shares the commissioners’ attitude that Washington County is open for business. He enjoys being here and likes the people he works with.”

He said another reason for hiring Dostal was his willingness to help builders out.

“He’s willing to walk through from beginning to the end of the process,” Ritter explained.

Three other people were interviewed for the position.

“We had some outstanding candidates,” Ritter remarked. “We were very happy with the caliber of people we had.”

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