NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. April 13, 2024 – Via a press release early Friday afternoon, the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County (FSCNC) announced “that they are suspending operations and furloughing staff due to a lack of available funding. … All team members will be placed on furlough until we resolve the impasse with our long–standing partner, the County of Nevada – Office of Emergency Services. We deeply regret the necessity of this decision but are hopeful for a swift resolution that will allow Team members to resume our critical work when additional funding becomes available.”
In response to a request for comment about the FSCNC’s statement, a joint press release issued by the Nevada County Executive Office and Auditor Controller’s Office articulated the county’s position: “The Nevada County Office of Emergency Services is not moving forward with new contracts with the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County at this time. … Nevada County Auditor-Controller Gina Will agrees with Nevada County Office of Emergency Services’ assessment of Fire Safe Council of Nevada County as a high-risk vendor. This decision follows a thorough review of the vendor’s performance, compliance with contractual obligations, and adherence with sound business practices. … The County recognizes the importance of having an effective Fire Safe Council and encourages the organization to come apply for the County’s qualified vendor lists to compete for contracts.”
Board of Supervisor Chair Hardy Bullock’s was also quoted, saying “The County recognizes the importance of having an effective Fire Safe Council in our community and wants the organization to be successful, working hand in hand to create a productive and efficient contractual relationship.” This is a reiteration of statements made by Bullock at the past two BOS meetings during the Supervisors’ announcements.
Two very different takes on outstanding invoices
Asked if there were any unpaid invoices, both organizations had very different positions.
In reply to our question “Are there unpaid invoices from the FSNC to Nevada County at this time and if yes, what is the total amount and why has the payment(s) not been released to the FSNC?” Assistant CEO Caleb Dardick replied,”The County has paid all invoices received from the Fire Safe Council.”
FSCNC Executive Director Jamie Jones reply to our question “What is the total amount of outstanding invoices for the County of Nevada? If there are unpaid invoices, have you been given an explanation why these invoices remain unpaid?”
We requested to be reimbursed for good faith partnership program costs incurred that were to be addressed in a contract amendment. We could no longer continue to perform services that the county is to be reimbursed for by the funder and carry the budgetary burden as the non-profit. County counsel responded with they’re not contractually obligated to pay for these services.
Access and Functional Needs Program Applicant qualification: $138,705.40
This list of applicants is currently pending award from FEMA for defensible space clearing services. 700 participants will be serviced.
2023 Green Waste Storm Recovery: $86,700
FSC already has committed 2 years of grant funding to the 2023 green waste at a cost of $550k. Due to expending the entirety of the budget in 23’, the county secured funding this year but has decided not to proceed with contracting FSC to offer green waste this year despite having identified a new location and permitting.
Fire Aside Software Master Service Agreement: $74,979.30
Defensible Space software to be shared across all cities, towns, fire districts.
Jamie Jones
Sorting out the discrepancy
This initial story is only a recitation of the position of both organizations as stated by them. We’ll ask the FSCNC to provide copies of the invoices sent for the amounts listed above. They offered in an email, “Would you prefer to review the documents we sent requesting payment and the response?” Public Records Act requests for documentation and correspondence between Nevada County and FSCNC will be filed on Monday.