Butler County commissioners have hired a new chief building official who they say has skills that will both save the county money and aid in future development.

Dennis Dickard, of Cincinnati, will begin his position Feb. 25, replacing Bill Balsinger who retired in August.

Dickard, who most recently served as a backup building official and plans examiner supervisor for Hamilton County, is certified by the state to review plans that will mean a cost savings for Butler County, according to county officials.

“It was important to put someone in that office who is very qualified,” Commissioner Don Dixon said. He estimated Dickard would save the county about $50,000 annually because he is certified to review plans, which is currently being done by an outside source.

The 48-year-old native of the Cleveland area received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1991. He has worked in Columbus as an engineer and as a plans examiner for the city of Columbus and Hamilton County.

Dickard said he worked in Columbus when Easton retail center was developed and looks forward to working with the same developer, Steiner + Associates, in the development of the $250 million Liberty Town Square. Developers have said ground breaking on the Liberty Twp. project is scheduled for this year.

“My philosophy and approach is I want them to see the building department as helpful and working along side them rather than a hindrance,” Dickard said.

County Administrator Charles Young said it is likely some plan review will still have to be outsourced, “but we do expect that Dennis will be able to review in house anything that has a short turn around or is a small change.”

The cost to outsource plan review varies annually depending the number of projects and developments, but in 2013 the county spent about $50,000 with an outside company.

“Obviously we hope and anticipate to see more development … that also makes Dennis a good fit for the position,” Young said.

At the time of his retirement, Balsinger’s salary was $90,152.66. He had served as chief building officer for 11½ years after being a building inspector with the city of Hamilton.