HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 151-25 - Resolution - SAFER Grant Application
RESOLUTION
Authorizing Application to the FEMA SAFER Grant Program to Support the Hiring of
Eight Firefighters.
WHEREAS, the Rochester Fire Department (RFD) has identified a growing need to
enhance emergency response capabilities and firefighter staffing levels in order to meet
increasing service demands and reduce operational strain; and
WHEREAS, the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant
Program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides
federal funding to support the hiring of additional frontline firefighters; and
WHEREAS, the RFD seeks to apply for the SAFER Grant to support the hiring of eight (8)
full-time firefighter positions to increase daily staffing, improve response efficiency, reduce
reliance on overtime, and enhance firefighter health and safety; and
WHEREAS, the estimated annual cost for salary and benefits of one first-year firefighter is
$130,161.65, resulting in a total estimated cost of $3,123,879.60 over the three-year grant
performance period for all eight positions; and
WHEREAS, estimated contractual step increases over three years total $10,978.44 per
firefighter, resulting in an additional projected cost of $87,827.52 to be added to the City’s
local share over the grant term; and
WHEREAS, if awarded, SAFER Grant funds are expected to cover 75% of eligible salary
and benefit costs in each of the first two years and 35% in the third year, based on the
Year 1 pay rate only, resulting in a projected federal share of $1,926,392.42; and
WHEREAS, the City’s total estimated share over the three-year grant term, including
uncovered compensation increases, is $1,285,314.70, and any costs exceeding grant
limitations will be the responsibility of the City; and
WHEREAS, acceptance of the grant, if awarded, will require future Council consideration
and approval to evaluate the long-term sustainability of the positions beyond the grant
period.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Common Council of the City of
Rochester, MN that the Rochester Fire Department is authorized to prepare and submit an
application to the FEMA SAFER Grant Program to request federal funding to hire eight (8)
full-time firefighters. Final grant acceptance will require separate Council review and
approval.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City supports the grant submission and commits to
meeting the administrative and fiscal responsibilities associated with the application, and
authorizes the Fire Chief or City Administrator to take all necessary actions to execute the
application and associated documentation.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA, THIS __________ DAY OF __________, 2025.
___________________________________
PRESIDENT OF SAID COMMON COUNCIL
ATTEST: __________________________
CITY CLERK
APPROVED THIS ___ DAY OF _______________, 2025.
___________________________________
MAYOR OF SAID CITY
(Seal of the City of
Rochester, Minnesota)