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Roswell committee approves applying for SAFER grant to fund up to 30 firefighter positions
Summary
Committee authorized submission of a FEMA SAFER grant application seeking up to $4.25 million to fund up to 30 firefighter positions over three years to support staffing and ongoing transition; council approved application unanimously.
Roswell — The Roswell city committee voted unanimously Feb. 19 to authorize staff to apply for a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant that could provide up to $4,250,000 to cover three years of staffing costs for as many as 30 firefighters.
Fire Chief Joe Panino told the committee that the grant covers up to three years of expenses for the proposed hires and requires no local match. He said the city expects the federal application period to open within about 30 days. "So this is for up to $4,250,000 which covers 3 years of up to 30 firefighters," Panino said. He added that the department has been working with the grants division and federal partners in Washington, D.C., to highlight Roswell’s public-safety innovations.
Councilmember Jean Lee Hills asked whether the grant could be used to convert part-time personnel to full-time roles. Chief Panino said the grant would support the department’s ongoing transition and can be used for those staffing changes.
Councilmember Christine Hall confirmed the city had applied the previous year and staff said Roswell was not awarded the grant in the prior cycle. Mayor Kurt Wilson and other councilmembers praised the fire department’s national engagement on innovative safety projects during the discussion but the committee limited its action to granting permission to apply.
The motion to apply for and accept a SAFER grant, and to make related budget transfers if awarded, was made by Councilmember Sarah Beeson and seconded by Councilmember Jean Lee Hills; the vote was unanimous. Staff said they will proceed with application work and return to council with any award paperwork.
