Paradise accepts FEMA‑funded siren system and sets initial maintenance fund; monthly tests will continue

The Paradise Town Council unanimously accepted the closeout report for the town’s FEMA‑ and HCD‑funded emergency warning siren project and provided direction on initial maintenance funding on Thursday.

The project, constructed with federal hazard mitigation funds and HCD match and completed under budget at about $2.74 million, includes 21 towers and community “safe unit” receivers. Staff said the system has been fully operational for nearly two years and that monthly tests on the 15th of each month serve both public familiarity and dispatcher training.

Council action: Council accepted the project closeout and directed staff to fund maintenance under a time‑and‑materials approach while setting aside $15,000 in the next fiscal year to satisfy ongoing maintenance expectations in the original grant agreement. The council also directed staff to continue audible monthly tests (the 15th at noon) and to return with longer‑term maintenance options after a period of observation.

Why this matters: The system is intended to be a durable, town‑wide last‑resort alert tool; staff noted batteries and some electronics will require periodic replacement (batteries estimated to be replaced every 5–7 years) and that long‑term repair and software support will be necessary. The grant required the town to plan for minimum annual maintenance funds; staff recommended $15,000 as a prudent initial set‑aside to cover diagnostics and limited field visits.

Representative quote: “The system has been fully operational now for almost two years,” project manager Brian Selei said. “We finished the project under budget. The equipment is robust, and the primary recurring cost will be periodic maintenance and battery replacement.”

Public testing and outreach: Council discussed the frequency of audible testing after some residents asked for fewer loud monthly tests. Staff said the system also supports offline dispatcher training and silent diagnostics; several council members favored continuing the monthly tests because they keep the public and dispatch readiness high.

Next steps: Staff will monitor system reliability over the coming year, track actual maintenance costs, and return with a recommended, longer‑term maintenance contract or options for council consideration.