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Binghamton Fire Chief explains $1.84 million SAFER grant to hire eight firefighters for three years
Summary
Fire Chief Alan Gardner described a federal SAFER grant of $1,836,624 that would fully fund salaries and benefits for eight firefighter positions for three years. Council asked about budget implications, contingency for federal funding, and when hires would start.
Fire Chief Alan Gardner told the council the city has been offered a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA totaling $1,836,624.
Gardner said the SAFER award — if accepted — would fund eight firefighter positions, with salaries and benefits fully covered for three years (fiscal years 2025–2027). Gardner said FEMA had typically required a 10 percent local match, but that in this instance FEMA waived that requirement.
Council members asked when new hires would begin and what would happen after the three‑year period. Gardner said the department is planning hires around April 1, with the grant period beginning March 22; after the grant ends the department would rely on normal staffing processes and attrition (he said retirements over time create opportunities to absorb positions). Deputy Mayor Megan Hyman said the grant acceptance resolution (RL25‑34) is to accept the award and that any subsequent budget amendments to change the adopted 2025 budget would be separate legislation from the comptroller.
Council members pressed the administration about federal funding certainty and whether the city could be left covering expenses if federal reimbursement were delayed or rescinded. Gardner said he had heard no signals that would cause concern and that these are federal fiscal‑year 2023 funds.
Members also asked about the budget paperwork: some council members said the comptroller’s budget transfer document was in the packet for staff but not included in councilors’ packets; staff agreed to provide a copy and to confirm the final proposed worksheet with the comptroller before seeking council approval on the acceptance resolution.
There was no formal vote during the work session; the item was informational and scheduled for the regular meeting agenda.
