Williston commission denies $2.9 million FEMA SAFER grant for 15 firefighter positions

Fire Chief Matt Clark told the Williston City Commission on Oct. 14 that FEMA had awarded a three-year SAFER grant to add 15 firefighter positions, including two lieutenant positions frozen earlier in the budget process, amounting to $2.9 million in federal funds and an estimated City match of about $1.8 million.

The chief outlined operational risks the department faces without added staff: the potential elimination of engine staffing at Station 2, minimum fire apparatus staffing reduced to two instead of the national recommendation of four, increased occurrences of zero-available apparatus during high call volumes, higher overtime and sick-time usage, and a shift from proactive fire prevention to complaint-driven responses. Clark said some offsetting strategies were proposed — delaying an ambulance capital purchase, applying Care Flight revenue, reducing overtime and paramedic training expenses, and creating a rollover fund for unspent operational dollars — but that the city would still be required to assume the positions after the grant period ends.

Commissioners pressed on long-term affordability, uncertainty about ongoing funding sources and fundraising assumptions, and the tight 30-day deadline to accept the award. Finance and departmental leaders noted the city’s cash reserves and recent surplus but also emphasized constraints from previously committed funds and outstanding debt. Commissioner James Bervig moved to deny the grant; after a procedural clarification and a second by Commissioner Brad Bekkedahl, the motion to deny carried 5-0.

The Commission’s vote rejects the FEMA SAFER award; the department said the first new hires would have been required by May 2026 if the grant had been accepted and the city would have sought federal reimbursement following hiring. The denial leaves the Williston Fire Department to pursue other staffing and operational strategies within the existing budget.