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Edina council authorizes application for FEMA SAFER grant to hire 12 paramedic firefighters
Summary
The council approved a resolution authorizing application for a FEMA SAFER grant to fund 12 paramedic firefighter positions (three‑year federal share with local matching requirement). If awarded, the federal portion would cover most wages initially; the city must plan for a local match and full ongoing costs after federal support ends.
The city council voted Tuesday to authorize submitting an application to FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program seeking funds to hire 12 paramedic firefighters.
Fire department leadership told the council the grant is competitive and designed to raise staffing toward NFPA 1710 response standards. The proposed award model would fund a substantial portion of salaries for three years (year‑one and year‑two federal share at 75% with a 25% local match; lower federal share in year three), with the city assuming full costs after the federal grant period ends. The city’s grant consultant estimates the three‑year local match at roughly $1.65 million total; federal funds applied to the positions would total several million if the grant is awarded.
Fire Chief (presenting) said the added staff would improve engine and ladder staffing, provide two‑engine minimum staffing, and reduce reliance on mutual aid for certain multi‑unit and medical incidents. Council members asked about recruitment timelines; staff said the application deadline is early July and awards would be announced before September, with onboarding to follow rapidly if selected.
The council adopted resolution 2025‑48 authorizing the application and acceptance of a SAFER award if offered. Council members noted the long‑term budget implications of absorbing continuing personnel costs after the grant period and said they expect staff to return with a plan for retention funding if the grant is awarded.
What happens next: The city will submit the SAFER grant application by the July deadline; if selected, staff will return to council with acceptance, onboarding timelines and plans for local continuation funding.
