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Council authorizes three‑year limited‑term positions to keep defensible‑space compliance above 95%
Summary
After staff warned FEMA funding for the expanded defensible‑space inspection program would lapse before new federal funding is available, council approved rehiring two limited‑term inspectors for three years (with local general‑fund support in the interim) to maintain compliance and insurance market access.
Paradise Town Council on Thursday voted to maintain the town’s expanded defensible‑space inspection program by rehiring two limited‑term inspectors under a three‑year term while staff pursues new federal grant funding.
Background: Staff said the defensible‑space program, expanded under FEMA grants in 2024, increased compliance from under 70% to more than 95% through proactive inspections, transfer‑related clearance requirements and targeted abatement work. The FEMA grant funding that covered 75% of the program expires September 30; staff said new federal funding is unlikely to be available until mid‑ to late‑2027.
Council action: To avoid a program collapse and a likely return of higher risk and reduced insurance access for residents, council approved option 2 — separate and rehire the two limited‑term inspectors for a defined three‑year term. Staff estimated the general‑fund cost to bridge the gap at roughly $156,000–$168,000 for the remainder of the fiscal year and the interim period until new grant funding arrives.
Why this matters: Council members and the fire chief framed the program as prevention that supports public safety, property values and insurability. Staff noted that on‑town abatement is costly and that voluntary compliance driven by proactive inspections is more cost‑efficient. The council emphasized the goal of keeping compliance at or above the 95% benchmark.
Representative quote: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Fire Chief Jason Finny said in urging continued support for the inspection effort.
Next steps: Staff will use available savings and general‑fund support to carry the program through the term and continue to apply for FEMA and other grant sources. Council directed staff to evaluate conversion to permanent FTEs if sustained funding is found.
