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City council approves $2.5 million in public-safety funding, OKs new fireboat and 48 firefighters with SAFER grant support
Summary
Council adopted a budget amendment that allocates federal and prior-year funds for fire and police equipment, funds a new fire-rescue boat ($510,000) including a $170,000 grant, and backs SAFER grant-related staffing for 48 new firefighters. The measure passed unanimously.
The City of Saint Cloud on Nov. 12 approved a supplemental budget amendment that directed more than $2.5 million toward public-safety projects and staffing.
Finance Director Jeff Cooper told the council the amendment includes $2,500,000 from federal grants and prior-year fund balances to support fire salaries and benefits tied to the city's SAFER grant award and the planned addition of 48 firefighters. The package also budgets $510,000 for a new fire-rescue boat, of which $170,000 is a state grant and $340,000 will come from prior-year general fund balance.
Why it matters: The council said the funding will expand the department's rescue capabilities and improve response on the city's lake. Cooper said the amendment also pays for two police vehicles (budgeted from the 1% surcharge fund), security improvements at City Hall, window replacement at the Civic Center, and a digital customer-permit portal for building permits.
Public-safety officials described the boat and staffing needs to the council. Fire Chief Jason Miller said the replacement vessel will be a modern rescue boat equipped with dive equipment, a fire pump and electronics; "The boat that it's replacing is from 1989," he said, describing the new craft as long overdue. Miller also said the department expects the new boat to provide surface-water rescue, towing and firefighting capability on the lake.
Council members asked staff where the $170,000 grant originated; Cooper said the city worked with state representatives and identified the funding as legislative/state grant support. Mayor Robertson publicly thanked State Rep. Paula Stark, who attended the meeting.
The council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution approving the budget amendment and related appropriations. The clerk recorded the roll call with all members voting "Aye," and the motion carried 5-0.
What's next: With the budget amendment in place, staff may proceed with procurement steps for the fireboat under the GSA contract later that evening and will bring implementation details and scheduling for the new firefighter hires as the SAFER award is finalized.
