Title
Authorization to Accept Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant and Hire 2 Firefighter FTEs
Body
Issue:
Through past budget cuts and growing service demands, the City's fire personnel are stretched to the limit to provide essential public services. In early 2013 the City became aware of federal funds to reinstate personnel to fire operations. The City applied for and has been awarded, subject to council approval, a FEMA, SAFER grant of $358,440.00 over two years for the Fire Department to hire two firefighters. After two years, if the Department has not secured adequate funding, the positions will be eliminated.
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to authorize the acceptance of the SAFER grant from FEMA and use it to hire two firefighters for the budget years of 2014 and 2015.
Staff Contact:
Greg Wright, Deputy Fire Chief, 360.753.8466
Presenter(s):
Greg Wright, Deputy Fire Chief
Background and Analysis:
The 2012 budget was cut resulting in the loss of 2 FTE's within the Fire Department. SAFER is a FEMA program dedicated to helping local fire jurisdictions to restore their firefighting force. The SAFER program is focused on meeting the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1710) industry standard, mandating minimum staffing requirements. SAFER grant funding has a two year period of performance.
During this period, staffing levels may not be reduced without applying for an economic hardship waiver. Waivers will not be granted for SAFER-funded positions. Grantees who fail to maintain this level of staffing risk losing the federal funds awarded under this grant. Upon completion of the grant period, it is anticipated that the jurisdiction will be able to continue funding the positions, however it is not mandatory.
The Fire Department has identified two potential funding streams to fully support these positions by 2016. One position will be funded thr...
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