Kernersville extends town manager's agreement and authorizes application for FEMA SAFER firefighter staffing grant

The Kernersville Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to adopt an employment agreement and compensation ordinance for Town Manager Curtis Swisser and separately authorized the manager to apply for a FEMA SAFER grant to help fund additional fire department staffing.

Employment agreement: The council discussed the one‑year employment agreement and vote to set the town manager's compensation by ordinance. Council members praised Swisser's work, moved to adopt the agreement and compensation ordinance, and approved both motions unanimously.

SAFER grant authorization: Later in the meeting staff requested permission to apply for a FEMA SAFER grant (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response). The manager explained the program typically pays a significant portion — often 100% in the first grant year and partial support thereafter — and that if the town is awarded the grant the council would be asked to accept and approve the award and local match requirements at that time. The council authorized the town manager to submit the application; the motion to authorize application passed unanimously.

Next steps: If the SAFER application is awarded, staff will return to the board with specifics about the grant term and the budgetary implications for future years before hiring and onboarding additional positions. The town said it seeks to align equipment acquisitions (such as the ladder/rescue truck) with staffing increases.