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Former Linn County Building Official Steve Wills has been promoted to director of the Planning and Building Department, County Administrator Darrin Lane said last week.

"We have observed Steve over the last year in the absence of a Planning and Building director," Lane said. "We are impressed with his leadership abilities and his desire to see the department succeed."

Wills, 53, brings more than a dozen years of experience as a building inspector in both Deschutes and Linn counties - as well as several years as a private contractor - to his new role.

"I want people to come into the Planni...