Last October, Tonganoxie city administrator Shane Krull predicted that in future years the city would be issuing from 60 to 70 building permits each year.

But reality has surpassed his expectation.

The city wrapped up 2002 with 94 building permits.

As of Friday afternoon, the city’s 2003 building count had already reached 81. This included 47 single-family residences, 23 duplexes (46 living units), seven mobile homes and four commercial businesses. And, it’s possible more permits will be on the way.

After Monday night’s city council meeting, Krull said the city could set a record.

“It’s probably better than 50-50,” Krull said.

Steve Gumm, a Tonganoxie city council member who also handles construction loans at First State Bank and Trust, said it’s likely more building permits will be issued before the close of 2003. And he said the city’s growth has been manageable.

“It’s not Johnson County growth,” he said, referring to the rapid development in that Kansas City metropolitan county. “We don’t have any stale inventory. They’re selling as fast as they put them up.”