Commissioners raised concerns about numerous fire hydrants that appeared untested, missing caps or otherwise inoperable, and asked utilities staff to deliver a full inventory and timetable for repairs.

During the budget workshop, commissioners recounted recent instances where hydrants lacked caps or could not be relied upon in a fire event. One commissioner said a hydrant was found inoperable when needed and emphasized the public‑safety implications.

Utilities staff said a $65,000 annual line item for hydrant testing and replacement is budgeted to restore routine exercising and testing. They said some replacements are ready to proceed from renewal and replacement funds and that the county has maintenance contractors who can help with replacements that require line stops to avoid customer outages. "We'll get you the full report for the fire hydrants," staff said when pressed for a timetable.

Commissioners asked for a prioritized plan and a schedule to avoid multi‑year delays. Staff acknowledged the issue and committed to providing a count of nonworking hydrants, associated costs and a proposed schedule for completing testing and replacements. No separate funding vote occurred; work will proceed under the city’s renewal and replacement and utility budgets as allowed.