Discussion and possible action to authorize the Economic Development Department to develop and submit a Fiscal Year 2017 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant application to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for up to $2,080,000.00, and authorizing the County Judge to act as the Authorized Representative in all matters pertaining to the County's request for funding. The purpose of the application is to supplement the Webb County Volunteer Fire Department with a minimum of Nine (9) frontline firefighters. This application requires a cash match of EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($800,000.00) over a three year grant period. Funding shall be identified by budget officers if grant is awarded. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Requested by Ricardo Rangel, Fire Suppression & EMS Services Chief]
Issue: As the Webb County Volunteer Fire Department expands to insure the safety of Webb County residents, so does the demand for paid, certified, frontline firefighting personnel.
Solution: The acquisition of grant funds will offset Webb County personnel expenses for a three year period.
Result: A healthy budgetary outlook for Webb County and the volunteer fire department.
Background:
SAFER funding has a three-year program period if awarded.