Meet Your Town Employees

It’s the dog days of summer and maybe you’re thinking about how nice it would be to stretch out on your deck with a cool drink or take a nice refreshing dip in your pool - except - oh wait - you don’t have a deck or a pool! And before you can build that deck or install that pool, you’ll need to zip on over to Town Hall and get a permit. That’s when you’ll meet Mike Lathrop.

Name: Michael Timothy Lathrop
Position: Building Inspector
Years on the job: 2½

As a Building Inspector for the Town of Zionsville, Mike’s primary responsibility is conducting building code inspections, including new residential and commercial projects, remodels, additions, decks, and swimming pools. Along with supervisor, John Merritt, he works closely with contractors and homeowners in completing building plans and projects, as well as enforcing the zoning and building ordinances within town limits.

Before coming to the Town of Zionsville, Mike worked as the Marion County Health Department Hearing Officer for vacant and abandoned buildings. This allowed him to work closely with property owners and building inspectors to ensure proper care and maintenance of buildings throughout Marion County. Mike says he really enjoyed feeling like he was making a difference for the place that he lived.

When asked about his work here in Zionsville, Mike stresses that his job is based on citizen trust. "Whether someone has been a resident of Zionsville for many years or is building a new house within our town limits, they are entrusting me to participate in the construction in a meaningful, professional manner that holds their contractors to the highest standard allowed." Mike says, "I take this responsibility seriously and find my work very satisfying. I am endeared to the Zionsville community because of the high standards maintained and the people I’ve had the opportunity to meet during my time with the town."

He feels that it is rewarding to be involved in building projects from the foundation to the final inspection. "There is a sense of accomplishment knowing the enjoyment and memories that will be created in these houses," he says.

However, it is playing a role in keeping people safe that Mike says he truly likes best about his work.

Mike well appreciates the importance of keeping families safe. He has a beautiful wife, Becky, to whom he has been married for over 3 years. They have a 2½ year old daughter, Katherine, who is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her new sibling in November. They also have a black lab named Toby and a cat named Jerry.

In his free time Mike loves spending time outdoors, especially waterskiing and fishing. He and his wife Becky are certified scuba divers. A lot of his free time is also spent bowling and participating in activities at his church.

Mike also admits to being a little bit of a thrill-seeker. "I have been skydiving, white water rafting, and snowmobiling in the Rockies", he acknowledges with a grin.

One thing is sure, whether it’s keeping others safe or flirting with danger himself, Mike Lathrop enjoys his job - and his life - to the fullest. And he brings that enjoyment and zest for life to his work. His enthusiasm serves him and this town very well.

Thanks Mike!