The Manteca City Council unanimously adopted a resolution accepting a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant in an amount not to exceed $2,692,300 to fund nine firefighter positions over a three-year performance period.

Deputy Fire Chief Franco Torres told the council the city applied after direction from the city manager and was notified of the award on Sept. 23, 2025. "The period of acceptance is 30 days. So we have till October 24 to accept it or reject it," he said. Torres added the city will have 180 days from the award date to hire the nine firefighters.

Torres and staff explained the federal reimbursement schedule for the grant: the federal share reimburses 75% in the first year, 75% in the second year and 35% in the third year; council members observed that in later years the city would fund the positions using local sources. Staff said they will present a recommended funding plan that draws on Measure Q revenues and other local resources. City Manager and staff indicated they would return with a plan that shows how Measure Q funds would cover the local share while preserving Measure Q priorities.

Mayor Gary Singh and several council members praised the work of fire staff and grant specialists. Battalion Chief Travis Gooch and members of the department's grants team were singled out for leading the application effort.

Council Member Morwitt moved approval; Council Member Malachy seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

Staff action and next steps: the council authorized the city manager designee to execute grant-related documents and directed staff (fire department and finance) to bring back a recommended funding plan and timeline for hiring and station staffing, including updates on Measure Q receipts and projections.