TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Application to the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant in the Amount of $3,574,740.96 for 12 Firemedics and Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal Review, Should the Grant be Awarded to the City.
Recommended Action
Approve the Application to the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant in the amount of $3,574,740.96 for 12 Firemedics and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable under the City Charter, to execute all funding documents after Legal review, should the grant be awarded to the City.
Background Information
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program was created to provide funding to fire departments (and to volunteer, firefighter interest organizations) in order to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, "frontline" firefighters available in their communities.
The Fire Rescue Department has submitted a grant request to cover the salary and benefits of 12 firemedic personnel. The personnel would staff existing and planned future fire rescue stations in the City. If awarded, the grant would cover the first three-years salaries and benefits. Matching funds are not required. The City would be responsible for salaries and benefits beginning in the fourth year. If awarded, the City expects to receive a total of $3,574,740.96 over the course of three years as follows:
Ø Year 1: $1,133,938.44
Ø Year 2: $1,190,635.44
Ø Year 3: $1,250,167.08
This is a reimbursable grant, meaning the City will spend first and then request reimbursement from the granting agency. The grant application deadline was Friday, February 10, 2023. Notification of award is expected in Fall 2023.
Strategic Plan
Safe Community Pillar
Financial Impact
After the three-year grant program, the salary and benefits for the 12 positions become the City’s responsibility. From year four through retirement, salary & benefits will be covered by the Fire Rescue District’s annual budget as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Procurement
The City’s Procurement Code, policies and procedures will be followed when any purchases are made.
Attachments:
1 . SAFER FY23 Application
Prepared by: Michael J. Davey, Grants Coordinator
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager