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Columbia Falls council approves hiring of fourth full‑time firefighter; city will apply for SAFER grant
Summary
Council approved the request to add a fourth full‑time firefighter to the paid roster, with the rural fire board agreeing to cover half the local cost and the city planning to apply for a federal SAFER grant to offset wages.
The Columbia Falls City Council voted to allow the fire department to proceed with hiring a fourth full‑time firefighter, a position the department says is necessary to maintain a two‑in/two‑out crew on structure calls and to cover scheduled vacations and sick leave.
Fire Department leadership told the council current staffing leaves command coverage thin when personnel are on leave. The chief said adding the fourth full‑time firefighter would allow the department to staff two firefighters inside and two outside on structure incidents when full staffing is available and would reduce instances where the chief or pump operator must put on an air pack to enter the structure.
The department intends to apply for a FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant. The SAFER grant model discussed covers a portion of wages and benefits for new hires over a three‑year period (the first year at approximately 75 percent, the second at 50 percent and the third at 25 percent), with the city responsible for full costs thereafter if the grant is awarded.
Fire leadership also reported a local cost‑sharing arrangement: the rural fire board agreed to pay half of the estimated $190,000 total cost for the position. The council said the resort tax fund will be the likely city funding source for the city's share if the budget is approved in July; the city will budget for the position and wait for SAFER grant results expected this autumn before final hiring if the grant is awarded.
Councilor discussion touched on timing, grant rules (the city must not hire the employee before SAFER award decisions or risk grant ineligibility) and equipment/costs for turnout gear estimated at roughly $7,500 per new hire.
Council approved the request by voice vote. No roll‑call tally was recorded on the hiring motion; the motion passed by majority voice vote.
The department expects to apply when the SAFER notice of funding opportunity is released and anticipates that, if awarded, the new hire could start in the next calendar year with grant funding phased in per SAFER rules.
