YAKIMA, Wash.-- NBC Right Now is taking a closer look at Yakima's 2013 Preliminary Budget. If approved by the city council, two new fire inspectors would be hired within the fire department, to make sure the 4,000 commercial businesses in town are up to code.
Fire inspectors were cut from this year's budget because of money problems, but fire Chief Dave Willson says they're a vital part of keeping the community safe.
"Instead of spending all of our energy on fighting the fire, it's nice to be able to spend some of our energy on preventing the fire," said Chief Willson with YFD.
The city's going to pay for the two new inspectors through a "usage fee," meaning the businesses will pay to be inspected.
On average, it will cost business owners just over $40.
