Tavares council accepts FEMA SAFER grant to hire six firefighters

The Tavares City Council voted Oct. 15 to accept a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) SAFER staffing grant that would fund six new firefighter positions and reimburse a majority of those payroll costs for up to three years.

City staff told the council the SAFER award (agreement number EMW‑2024‑FP‑0181) totals $801,119.16 across three years and is a direct grant to the City of Tavares. FEMA will reimburse 75% of a firefighter’s salary and 75% of eligible benefits in years one and two, and 35% of salary and benefits in year three; staff estimated the minimum city match at $497,993.04 over three years and said the city would be responsible for any costs FEMA does not cover, including certain pension and insurance items not eligible under the grant. The agenda summary said the city must accept the award by Oct. 23 or risk forfeiture.

Fire Chief Richard Keith told the council he supported accepting the grant. “The resolution speaks for itself, but, you know, I rise in support of this,” he said, and noted the department’s long effort to secure competitive grants. Council members discussed options to stagger hires and to return with a staffing plan that would minimize budget impacts; staff said they would meet with FEMA and bring back a recommended hiring schedule once federal operations resumed following the shutdown.

Council approved the resolution by voice vote. City staff said the item will return to council with implementation details — including whether hires can be staggered and how the city match will be funded — after the city verifies scheduling and reimbursement details with FEMA.

The council’s acceptance allows staff to execute required grant documents and continue planning for recruitment and onboarding of the six positions.