HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0059) M&C 20-0032City of Fort Worth,
Mayor and
DATE: 01 /14/20
Texas
Council Communication
LOG NAME: 36SAFERGRANT2018
SUBJECT
M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 20-0032
Ratify Application for and Authorize Acceptance of a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant from the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security - Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Fire Department, in the Amount Up to $1,963,245, Adjust Appropriations in
the FY2020 Operating Budget by $265,304, as Required, for the City's Cost Match from the General Fund to the Grants Operating Federal Fund,
and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Ratify the application for a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant award from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
for the Fort Worth Fire Department in the amount up to $1,963,245 to fund the hiring of fourteen firefighter positions.
2. Authorize the acceptance of the grant and execution of a contract with U.S. Department of Homeland Security, for the total amount of the award;
3. Adjust appropriations in the Fire Department's FY 2020 General Fund operating budget by reducing appropriations in salaries and benefits
expenses by $265,304.00 and increasing appropriations by the same amount for transfer to the Grants Operating Federal Fund as the city's
required cost match; and
4. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Federal Fund in the
amount of $3,183,642.
DISCUSSION:
The Department of Homeland Security awards Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants to improve local fire
departments' staffing and deployment capabilities so they may more effectively respond to emergencies. The performance period of the grant
is 36 months. Allowable costs funded by the grant consist of 75% of salary and associated benefits (payroll expenses) for the 14 firefighter
positions during the first 24 months and 35% of these costs during the final 12 months of the performance period. The cost share required by the
city is any remaining salary and associated benefits (payroll expenses) that exceeds either the allowable federal percentage or estimated dollar
amount in the table below.
Year
Federal Share
Fort Worth Share
1�
$795,910
$265,304
0
$795,910
$265,304
0
$371,425
$689,789
Total
$1,963,245
$1,220,397
Additionally, grant recipients must agree that no reductions in staff will occur during the three-year grant funding cycle.
As a result of hiring significant numbers of employees during the mid-1980s, the Fire Department is currently experiencing a high amount of
attrition due to retirements. The normally funded annual attrition class of 24 recruits has not kept pace with these retirements and the additional
positions required by the opening of new fire stations further contributes to this shortage. The approval of this grant and the positions it funds will
assist in staffing of Fire Station 45, planned to open in FY21. No additional increase in authorized strength is anticipated, other than the
increase required in FY21 for the opening of Fire Station 45.
Indirect costs are unallowable for this grant.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education: U.S.
Department of Homeland Security
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that upon approval of the above recommendations, receipt of the grant award, execution of the agreement and
adoption of the attached appropriation ordinance, funds will be available in the current operating budget, as appropriated, of the Grants Operating
Federal Fund. This is a reimbursement grant. The Fire Department is responsible for requesting all reimbursements. Upon receipt, these funds
will be deposited into the Grants Operating Federal Fund.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Valerie Washington 6199
Originating Business Unit Head: Jim Davis 6801
Additional Information Contact: Mark Rauscher 6803