NH mayor to debate SAFER grant

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Aldermen are expected to again consider whether to finalize federal grants to hire additional police and firefighters at a special meeting this evening. Mayor Ted Gatsas says new pension cost projections may prove sobering to the aldermen, who overrode the mayor's veto of the grants earlier this summer.

Under consideration are a $1.13 million grant under the SAFER program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to hire eight firefighters, and a $625,000 COPS grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to hire five officers.

Both grants will cover the salaries and benefits for the new employees for two years, while requiring the departments to maintain the positions for a third year. Gatsas has argued that this provision will saddle the city with unsustainable costs when the funding runs out.

Full story: Manchester mayor points to pensions on police hires in grant debate