Texas FD seeks $4M SAFER grant to improve staffing, response times

Corpus Christi officials approved applying for a grant to help meet national staffing standards, but the required city match raises debate over potential tax increases or budget cuts

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Corpus Christi City Council voted to allow the fire department to apply for a $4 million SAFER grant, which provides funding to help departments meet staffing, response and operational standards set by the National Fire Protection Association.

Fire Chief Brandon Wade told KII 3 News the grant could help the department meet national standards and improve response times.

“From the time the call comes in to us getting on scene is within eight minutes, at least 90% of the time,” Wade said. “Right now, we only have eight of our 22 apparatus with four-person staffing. So the fire department needs 86 more positions for us to put four persons on every fire truck, every day and meet that national standard.”

Wade said the grant would help cover firefighter salaries and benefits for three years, reducing costs for the city. However, it requires a local match, 25% in the first two years and 65% in the third, totaling $1.6 million from the city.

Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni said the city would need either a property tax increase or major budget cuts to meet the grant’s $1.6 million match. City council members expressed mixed views, with some supporting the investment and others calling for voter input before approving a tax hike.

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