Butte County to add $40,000 to Cal Fire award to buy two electronic roadside message boards

The Butte County Board of Supervisors on March 10 approved adding $40,000 to an existing Cal Fire award to purchase two electronic roadside message boards.

Fire Chief Garrett Scholl told the board the additional $40,000 would fund two signs and that the funds came from a direct state award through Cal Fire. “The $40,000 will fund 2 of these signs, and the fire department will be able to maintain them moving forward after the purchase,” Scholl said.

Supervisors described the purchase as helpful to inform the public during defensible-space inspections, controlled burns and community operations. The action was pulled from the consent agenda so the chief could explain the purchase; the board approved the addition and closed public comment before passing the item.