SUBJECT
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Accept the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, 2024 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (FF) Grant (SAFER) funding opportunity for 50 additional firefighter positions and approve the establishment of the new positions. ($10,228,826.66 one-time revenue, $6,358,459.84 cash match).
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DESCRIPTION
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security approved funding of 50 additional positions for 2024 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (FF) Grant funding opportunity. The Grant funding opportunity was approved on September 24,2025 for a total amount of $10,228,826.66 in Federal funding with a required contribution of non-Federal funds of $6,358,459.84 for a total approved budget of $16,587,286.50 over 3 years. The period of performance will begin March 23, 2026, and end March 22, 2029, with a 75% federal funding cap ($4,146,821.62) and 25% non-federal share ($1,382,273.88) in Year 1 and Year 2 with a 35% federal funding cap ($1,935,183.42) and 65% non-federal share ($3,593,912.08) in Year 3.
The SAFER grant 180-day recruitment period will begin upon Board approval and acceptance of the grant.
The SAFER grant funding will end on March 22, 2029.
Polk County Fire Rescue currently has 961 approved positions; this will increase the total number of positions to 1011.
RECOMMENDATION
Request the Board approve the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, 2024 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (FF) Grant by authorizing Holly Newton, Financial Administrator of Polk County Fire Rescue to accept the Grant on the Boards behalf.
Request the Board approve the 50 additional Firefighter positions.
Request the Board approve the budget resolution to establish FY25/26 budget for the unanticipated revenue in the amount of $5,529,095.50. The remaining years will be budgeted during the yearly budget process.
FISCAL IMPACT
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