Stafford, VA, Board Shoots Down SAFER Grant Over Costs

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors in Virginia recently made the decision not to pursue the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) due to financial concerns regarding the sustainability of funding firefighter positions beyond the grant period.

SAFER grants are designed to help fire departments hire new firefighters or maintain existing ones during economic downturns or periods of reduced revenue. The grants provide funds to cover salaries and benefits for up to three years, after which local governments are expected to assume full financial responsibility for these positions.

During their meeting on March 22, 2023, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors discussed the implications of applying for the SAFER grant. According to County Administrator Mark Carter, the cost to maintain the additional firefighters beyond the grant period would amount to approximately $1 million annually. With the current budget constraints and the uncertainty surrounding future revenue streams, the board members expressed reservations about committing to such a significant ongoing expense.

Chairman Cheryl Hughes emphasized that while the board understands the importance of maintaining a well-staffed fire department, they cannot make a long-term commitment without a clear financial plan in place. Vice Chairman Tom O'Bannon agreed, stating that they need to be mindful of the county's financial future and ensure that they can sustain these positions without putting undue burden on taxpayers.

Although some board members expressed disappointment that they could not take advantage of this opportunity to add much-needed staff to their fire department, they ultimately agreed that it would be irresponsible to pursue the grant without a solid plan for ongoing funding.

In summary, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors decided against applying for the SAFER grant due to concerns about the long-term financial implications of maintaining the additional firefighters beyond the grant period. The board is currently exploring alternative solutions to address staffing needs while ensuring fiscal responsibility.