HomeMy WebLinkAboutFS 2014-08-19 Item 2B - Discussion - FEMA SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant0
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City of Tukwila
Jim Haggerton, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Haggerton
Finance and Safety Committee
FROM: Chris Flores, Interim Fire Chief
DATE: 08/13/14
SUBJECT: SAFER Grant
ISSUE
The purpose of this memo is to inform the Committee about the FEMA SAFER (Staffing for
Adequate Fire & Emergency Response) Grant.
BACKGROUND
This Grant is intended to increase the number of firefighters at the scene of an emergency
incident, thereby increasing public and firefighter safety. The grant was previously funded at
100% of salaries and benefits for the first year, 75% the second year, and 50% the third year.
More recently FEMA has altered that model and reduced the compensation period to 2 years,
but at 100% compensation for both years. The Department intends to make application for the
SAFER Grant In the amount necessary to fund 6 positions. Tukwila City Council and the City
Administration do not have to make a decision regarding the acceptance of this grant at this
time. In 2013 the application period for this grant began on July 29, and was open for a period of
30 days. The application period for 2014 has not yet been announced by FEMA.
DISCUSSION
The current expenditure of Suppression Division overtime is roughly equivalent ($600K) to
continued cost of maintaining 2 additional positions per shift after the expiration of the
performance period. Overtime expenses can be greatly reduced while at the same time
increasing the level of service, public, and firefighter safety.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The financial impact is $600,000.00 per year at the conclusion of the performance period.
RECOMMENDATION
This memo and presentation are for information only.
ATTACHMENTS
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