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Council authorizes SAFER grant application to add five full‑time firefighters
Summary
Council authorized staff to apply for a federal SAFER grant to fund five firefighter positions; the chief described reimbursement (75% years 1–2, 35% year 3), a 180-day recruitment window and need for finance coordination if awarded.
Phoenixville Borough Council voted to authorize staff to submit a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant application to fund up to five additional full‑time firefighter positions.
Fire leadership told council the SAFER grant is highly competitive but would reimburse a substantial share of salary costs if awarded (roughly 75% in years one and two, and 35% in year three of the three‑year performance period), after which the borough would carry the full cost. The chief noted there is a 180‑day recruitment period in which the borough must hire successful applicants and that reimbursements are submitted on a cadence to FEMA; staff typically seeks monthly reimbursement to maintain cash flow.
Council members emphasized the need to coordinate with the finance department before hiring if the grant is awarded. The chief said hires could be staggered in year one to manage budget exposure and civil‑service hiring requirements, but that the borough’s strategic plan anticipates expanding full‑time staffing over several years to improve coverage.
Council approved the motion to apply for the grant and asked staff and finance to return with implementation scenarios if the award is received.
