The cities of Covington and Black Diamond have become partners in a step to combat the effects of the recession and shrinking budget numbers facing all cities.

The two city councils each unanimously approved an interlocal agreement outlining a plan where the city of Covington will provide building division and code enforcement services to Black Diamond.

According to Covington City Manager Derek Matheson the gain for Covington is  “increased staff hours that were decreased during the depths of the depression.”

Matheson said the benefit for Black Diamond will be receiving services from the Covington Community Development Department staff at a much lower cost than paying a private firm for equivalent services.

Black Diamond does not have to hire full-time staff members when the current need for services are reduced.

Covington City Councilman Jim Scott said at the March 22 meeting, “This is a first. This is an amazing trail we’ve gone down and to see this come to fruition is great.”

At the March 17 Black Diamond City Council meeting Councilman Craig Goodwin described the agreement as “clearly the right way to go.”

The services provided by Covington include building code administration, building inspection, building plan review and code enforcement.

“This agreement is a great example of two cities working together to stretch limited resources,” Matheson said.