Lincoln creates five reserve fire inspector positions, authorizes $150 monthly stipend

The Lincoln City Council voted on Feb. 24 to establish five reserve fire inspector positions within the fire department and to authorize a $150-per-month stipend for those positions. Staff said the roles are volunteer, excluded from CalPERS and city benefits, and intended to expand inspection capacity to avoid a backlog while full-time prevention staff focus on complex assignments.

In the staff presentation, Miss True said the stipend request can be absorbed in the department's current operating budget and that the estimated fiscal impact for the remainder of the 2025'26 fiscal year is approximately $1,500. The positions are intended to create on-ramp experience for people completing task books and certifications required for career progression in fire prevention and inspection.

The fire chief (staff representation at the meeting) explained reserve inspectors will typically be candidates who have completed training classes — including Fire Inspector I/A and I/B coursework and CPR certification — and need practical experience before applying for full-time positions. Staff said the classes run about $400 each and a CPR course is a one-day certification.

Councilmembers asked about recruitment sources and training costs; staff said candidates would be people who already started prevention training and need the required year of experience in a field setting. The council approved the resolution.