Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Adel officials seek correction after SAFER grant submitted with incorrect financial data
Summary
City staff told the Committee that the SAFER grant application prepared for a new fire position "did not have the correct financial data included." Council asked staff to contact the SAFER team to request an amendment or flexibility on hiring deadlines and discussed local budget options if the grant is awarded.
Deputy City Administrator and Finance Director Sandquist told the Adel Committee of the Whole that the SAFER grant application prepared by Fire Chief Nemechek and AJ Seely of the Dallas County Emergency Management Agency "did not have the correct financial data included." The committee moved the item to the start of the meeting and discussed next steps.
Fire Chief Nemechek said the federal awards in the prior year "rolled out on September 20th" and that, if Adel is awarded a position through the grant, the city would have six months to hire for the new slot. Sandquist said she had not been able to review the application before submission and raised the possibility that the city could face local costs outside the grant if the application is awarded as submitted.
Council members asked staff to contact the SAFER grant submission team to see whether the city can amend its financial information or obtain more time to meet hiring deadlines. Councilmembers and staff discussed several local funding options should the city need to cover costs not paid by the grant: an increase in the levy, funding the position through an existing balance, or capping the annual salary increase for that specific role.
No formal motion or vote was recorded on the SAFER item; the committee directed staff to pursue clarification with the grant administrators and to report back to the Council.
