Farmington approves SAFER grant application to add six full‑time firefighters; city will provide matching funds

The Farmington City Council voted to authorize the city to apply for FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant to hire six full‑time firefighters and to approve the city’s required cost share if the grant is awarded.

The Fire Chief explained the SAFER program’s purpose and the grant structure for the current funding round. This year FEMA will provide competitive grants to support hiring and recruitment/retention initiatives; the program is no longer 100% federal-funded for the full project period. Under the application described to council, FEMA would cover 75% of allowable hiring costs in years one and two and 35% in year three; the city would provide the remaining 25% in years one and two and 65% in year three.

Staff said the grant requires that at least 10% of funds support recruitment and retention and at least 10% is reserved for volunteer department hiring activities. Eligible recruitment and retention expenses were expanded this year to include initial and annual physical exams, job-related immunizations, behavioral‑health services, cancer‑screening programs aligned with NFPA 1582, and employee‑assistance programs.

The council adopted Resolution 2025‑TAC‑042 authorizing the city to act as legal sponsor for a SAFER application to hire six full‑time staff and approving the matching-fund commitments. The motion to adopt the resolution was made by Councilmember Steve and seconded by Councilmember Holly; the roll-call vote was recorded as affirmative by the council.

Staff said the application deadline is July 3 and that the city expects to hear decisions within 30–90 days; if awarded, the city will implement the hiring plan in coordination with budget and payroll processes. Council members noted the decision to apply responds to long‑standing staffing needs and earlier council strategic planning discussions.