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Commission approves backup paid‑staffing plan for fire department if SAFER grant is not received
Summary
With a federal SAFER grant uncertain, commissioners approved a smaller, reserve‑backed staffing plan to keep the volunteer department viable: three paid officers at $56,000 plus benefits, with conditions to preserve a part‑time maintenance role until staffing is in place.
The Town Commission voted to approve a contingency staffing plan for the Melbourne Beach Volunteer Fire Department in case the town does not receive a federal SAFER grant.
Chief Gavin Brown and commission members told the meeting the department faces recruitment and supervision challenges that could threaten response capacity. The SAFER grant — a federal program that funds firefighter hiring — was described as the preferred funding route to add six full‑time firefighters, but the town has not yet received an award. Commissioners debated smaller local options as a backup plan.
The commission approved a plan to add three paid officer positions (each budgeted at $56,000 plus benefits) and to eliminate an administrative assistant position in that cost model. The commission also agreed to keep the current part‑time maintenance position funded until the second of the newly hired officers is in place, so the department would not lose on‑the‑ground capacity while hiring proceeds. Vice Mayor Don Barlow moved the measure and Commissioner Robert Baldwin seconded; the motion passed 4‑1.
Chief Brown briefed the commission on options, saying an additional paid officer would provide supervisory capability, allow for better 24/7 coverage, reduce overtime and improve training and data reporting. He told the commission that three paid officers with the chief would not completely resolve all operational vulnerabilities, but would significantly reduce the immediate risk of inadequate supervision on emergency scenes.
Commissioners and residents discussed multiple alternatives. Town Manager Elizabeth Mascaro presented a central option used for budgeting that would show three officers in the plan (so the town could accept the SAFER grant later if awarded and revise the budget). Residents and former career firefighters urged support for paid staff to ensure timely response; Maureen McDevitt, a retired lieutenant and paramedic, submitted written public comment recommending adding paid personnel to ensure an on‑station response within minutes.
The commission also discussed non‑staffing options, including improved administrative support for recruiting and reporting and consolidation of internal positions to free budget capacity. Several commissioners said they favored pursuing the SAFER grant but wanted a locally funded fallback to ensure service continuity if the grant is not awarded.
Votes and financial effect - Motion (backup staffing): Add three paid fire officers at $56,000 each with benefits; remove proposed administrative assistant; keep the part‑time maintenance position funded until the second new officer is hired; cover any shortfall from reserves and replenish reserves if grant funds later arrive. Motion moved by Vice Mayor Don Barlow; second Commissioner Robert Baldwin. Vote: 4‑1. Outcome: approved.
Why this matters The SAFER grant process is competitive and uncertain; the commission’s vote sets a local fallback that preserves department supervision and allows the town to pursue grants and public outreach for a long‑term funding solution. The plan prioritizes immediate operational safety but uses reserves and budget reallocations rather than a separate tax increase at this stage.
What’s next Chief Brown will begin recruiting under the approved budget model, with staff returning to the commission with hiring timelines and cost reconciliation. The commission instructed the manager and chief to continue SAFER grant applications and to present a follow‑up plan for public engagement and a longer‑term funding strategy.
