HomeMy WebLinkAboutVIII-10 Approve Submission of SAFER Grant City Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Fasbender & City Councilmembers
From: John Townsend, Fire Chief
Date: January 12, 2022
Item: Approve Fire Department Submitting for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency
Response (SAFER) Grant Application
Council Action Requested:
Approve fire department submitting for SAFER grant application.
Background Information:
FEMA has announced a SAFER grant opportunity. The grant application period opened January 3, 2022 with
a deadline of February 4, 2022. This grant provides funding for hiring new firefighter positions for a period of
36 months. There are no matching dollars during the 36-month period. At the end of the grant funding
period for these positions, the City assumes full financial responsibility. Staff added through this grant cannot
be reduced for at least 12 months, no matter the City’s financial position. If the City were to reduce staff
prior to the 12-month period, we would be required to return all grant funds received.
The department would request funding for six additional full-time firefighters. Six additional full-time
firefighters would increase staffing on each of our 24-hour shifts from five to seven. . This increase in full-
time staff would allow the department to staff more appropriately for our increasing call volume and
decreasing paid-on-call staff. This increase in staff will also help decrease overtime to our full-time staff.
Financial Impact:
Estimated costs covered by grant for the initial 36 months:
Year Cost/FTE Cost for 6
2023 $137,500 $825,000
2024 142,700 856,000
2025 148,100 888,700
City Costs after the 36-month grant period:
2026 153,800 $925,000
Advisory Commission Discussion: N/A
Council Committee Discussion: N/A
Council Workshop: Discussed department needs and operations at council workshops.
Attachments: None
VIII-10