VALLEY GRANDE — After nearly 10 years of service, Terrell Culpepper retired from the Valley Grande building inspector position Monday.

To fill Culpepper’s role in the interim, the Valley Grande City Council voted Monday to name Valley Grande Mayor Wayne Labbe to act as the city’s building inspector. Labbe will not be compensated, other than mileage.

Labbe, who is state-certified to build a home, has experience building homes and spent the last few months working closely with Culpepper on projects.

“I would rather do this than try to find somebody on the interim basis,” Labbe said. “That way it doesn’t really cost the city any money, because I’ll get my travel and that’s it.”

According to the city’s website, the building inspector is responsible for reviewing construction plans and performing inspections for all residential and commercial construction to insure compliance with the International Building Code and National Electric Code regulations.

The position will be posted on the city’s website this week and remain posted for a two-week period. Labbe said he would like to hire an inspector within the next six to eight weeks.

Labbe said whoever fills the open position would have plenty of time to learn about upcoming building projects before the building season starts in the spring.

“We have good people in this office,” he said. “Not only do you want somebody who is good, but you want somebody who will fit in with our current staff.”

Labbe said Culpepper has done an excellent job working for the city.

“It’s kind of a mix of emotions,” he said. “You hate to see somebody move on like that, but at the same time, you’re glad to see him go out there and enjoy his retirement a little bit.”