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HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0106) M&C 20-0889City of Fort Worth, Mayor and DATE: 12/01 /20 Texas Council Communication LOG NAME: 36SAFER GRANT 2019 SUBJECT M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 20-0889 (ALL) Ratify Application for and Authorize Acceptance of a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant from the United States Department of Homeland Security - Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Fire Department, in the Amount Up to $9,556,320.00 and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance 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 United States Department of Homeland Security for the Fort Worth Fire Department in the amount up to $9,556,320.00 to fund the hiring of forty firefighter positions; 2. Authorize the acceptance of the grant and execution of a contract with United States Department of Homeland Security, for the total amount of the award; and 3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Federal Fund in the amount of $9,556,320.00. 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 consist of salary and associated benefits (payroll expenses) for the 40 firefighter positions during the entire 36 months of the performance period based on the typical costs for a first year firefighter at the time of the application. Year Federal Share Fort Worth Share 0 $3,185,440.00 $0 0 $3,185,440.00 $0 0 $3,185,440.00 $0 Efotalj $9,556,320.00 $0 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. Prior SAFER awards have required the city to provide matching funds. Due to the financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the matching requirement has been waived for this award. This award will not require a permanent increase in authorized strength. Indirect costs are unallowable for this grant. (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS) A Form 1295 is not required because: This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education: Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency 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, in the Grants Operating Federal Fund. The Fire Department (and Financial Management Services) will be responsible for for the collection and deposit of funds due to the City. Prior to an expenditure being incurred, the Fire Department has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds. This is a reimbursement grant. Submitted for City Manager's Office b� Valerie Washington 6199 Originating Business Unit Head: Jim Davis 6801 Additional Information Contact: Mark Rauscher 6803