Washington County wins SAFER grant to hire 24 firefighters; county share rises in year three

David Hayes, director of emergency services, told the Board that Washington County successfully secured a FEMA SAFER grant to fund 24 firefighter positions over a 36‑month performance period that must begin no later than March 24, 2027.

"Washington County was successful in securing that grant," Hayes said, and outlined the funding formula: years one and two carry a 75% federal share and 25% county share; year three transitions to roughly 35% federal and 65% county. Hayes estimated the county's outside expenditure in year one at about $637,000 and the federal share at about $1.9 million. He noted year‑one costs may be higher because some onboarding costs — uniforms and physicals — are not grant‑allowable.

Commissioners discussed recruitment incentives for lateral transfers; Hayes said staff and human resources will explore bonuses and aim to include any policy before a hiring announcement expected in the next two weeks. The board did not vote on additional incentives during the meeting; acceptance of the SAFER grant itself was scheduled to be completed imminently by staff with board acknowledgment.