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Fire department seeks council authorization to apply for FEMA SAFER grant for seven rescue personnel
Summary
The fire chief asked council to authorize applying for a FEMA SAFER grant to fund seven personnel for a rescue unit; if awarded the grant the city's share of personnel costs phases up over four years.
The city’s fire chief asked the council to authorize applying for a FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant to fund seven personnel to staff an additional rescue unit.
The chief said the department began all-transport service in February 2022 and added a fourth rescue unit by reallocating personnel. To put a fifth unit in service the department needs additional staff and has pursued SAFER grants in prior years without success.
If the city is awarded the grant, the chief explained the financial structure to the council: the city would pay 25% of salaries and benefits in the first and second years, 65% of salaries and benefits in the third year, and all costs in the fourth year. "There is no guarantee that we would get the grant," the chief said, and noted award announcements can arrive mid-calendar year, which may not align with the fiscal-year budget. He said the city will include additional personnel requests in the FY26 budget regardless.
The council discussed the item; the transcript records the presentation and the chief's explanation but does not include a recorded vote to authorize application during this meeting.
