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Committee unanimously authorizes application for federal AFG to replace fire department heart monitors
Summary
The Finance Committee voted unanimously June 2 to authorize the city to apply for the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant to purchase six defibrillator/monitor units, a project estimated at roughly $496,000 with a 90% federal reimbursement and a 10% local match to be coded to FY27 CIP.
The City Finance Committee on June 2 unanimously authorized staff to apply for the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to replace the fire department's aging heart-monitor/defibrillator units.
A fire-department representative told the committee that the AFG typically covers 90% of project costs while the city must provide a 10% match. He said the department was advised by the AFG regional manager that heart monitors rank higher than extrication tools for funding, so the department prioritized replacing monitors. "This is a grant that covers 90% of the cost of ... and we have a 10% match," the fire representative said.
The presenter said the total project cost for six units is roughly $496,000 (the transcript cites a figure of $496,211 in the motion). The department would purchase the equipment up front and then submit proof of purchase for reimbursement; the presenter said DHS typically issues reimbursement (90%) within roughly 30 days of an awarded project. The 10% match was described as available in FY27 capital improvement (one unit's CIP allocation is currently about $65,000), and staff said the match would be coded to FY27 capital funds if the grant is awarded.
A council member moved to authorize applying for the AFG; the motion was seconded and the committee voted unanimously to authorize the application, subject to federal approval and later capital appropriation to cover the local match. Committee members asked about contingency plans if the grant is not awarded; the fire representative said current capital funds cover replacement of one unit and older units would remain in service until additional funds are available.
The transcript records the motion and unanimous committee approval; final federal award decisions and precise procurement steps remain subject to the grant process.
