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Nolensville staff to pursue SAFER grant option as part of firefighter staffing plan; deadline imminent
Summary
Town staff told commissioners they will pursue a federal SAFER grant that can fund firefighter positions for three years. Commissioners supported applying but noted awards and timing are uncertain; the grant application deadline is July 3, 2025.
Town staff briefed the Board of Commissioners on the opportunity to apply for a federal SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant that would pay 100% of salary and benefits for awarded firefighter positions for up to three years, with a local requirement to retain those positions for at least one year after the grant period ends.
Fire Chief Lupo explained the program mechanics and timing: "The grant ... pays a 100% of that for 3 years," and noted the awards are announced in rounds that can stretch into late fall or early winter; applicants have 180 days from award to hire for the positions. Town Manager Victor and Chief Lupo told commissioners the current SAFER grant that funded six firefighters to date expires this fiscal year; the town must decide whether to hire positions and then pursue grant funding to offset costs or rely on grant timing that could award after hires would be needed.
Commissioner Russell Carpenter said he supported pursuing the SAFER grant and noted the board should plan to fund positions if the grant does not arrive on the town's timetable. Staff confirmed the SAFER application deadline is July 3, 2025, and recommended the board include the application in any special meeting packet if a special vote on revenues is scheduled before the deadline.
Why it matters: The SAFER grant is one of the few federal programs that can fully fund firefighter salaries and benefits for a multi-year period and would reduce the town's recurring personnel cost if awarded. Because awards are uncertain and can be announced after the fiscal year begins, commissioners said they must plan to absorb the cost if necessary.
Next steps: Staff will prepare a SAFER grant application for the board to consider and, if needed, include formal authorization on a special meeting agenda ahead of the July 3 deadline. The board agreed to pursue the grant but emphasized the fiscal planning required if awards are not timely.
