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Washington County commissioners authorize FEMA SAFER grant application to hire 24 firefighters, warn of long-term county costs
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously authorized staff to apply for a FEMA SAFER grant to fund 24 full-time firefighters; staff said federal funding would cover most costs initially but the county would assume full annual expenses in later years, prompting one commissioner to oppose the long-term fiscal commitment.
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners voted June 9 to authorize staff to apply for a FEMA SAFER grant that would fund hiring 24 new full‑time firefighters if the county is awarded the grant.
David Hayes, director of emergency services, told the board the SAFER program is a competitive federal grant that would cover 75% of personnel costs in the first two years, 35% in year three and require the county to assume 100% of the ongoing costs thereafter. Staff estimated that if the county ultimately absorbs full costs the annual obligation would reach roughly $2.7 million; earlier-year county contributions would be smaller and depend on hire timing and phased implementation.
Hayes and deputy director David Chisum said the positions would be county employees, not volunteer-company hires, and that the county must be the employer of record to include payroll and benefits in the reimbursement calculation. Staff said the application window required a June submission to be considered for awards typically announced in late summer or early fall.
Supporters argued the positions would improve daily staffing and response reliability at stations that currently struggle to staff apparatus, noting past SAFER awards to the county. Opponents pressed for caution about the long-term fiscal pledge. One commissioner voted against the authorization, saying the county should explore whether volunteer companies could hire staff or whether other models could avoid obligating the county to a recurring $2.7 million expense.
Hayes said the county could not hire the personnel unless the grant is approved; if the grant were denied, the positions would not be filled. He also said the realistic timeline for recruitment and training meant hires would likely not be on station for many months after any award because academy and field training take time.
The board’s authorization allows staff to submit the SAFER application and accept grant funds if awarded. The motion passed with a majority and one commissioner recorded an explanation for a negative vote citing fiscal concerns.
