Flagstaff airport requests public‑safety funding: $1.3M for ARFF, $657K for law enforcement support

Brian told the commission that the City of Flagstaff's Public Safety Citizen Committee is reviewing multiple funding requests and that the airport had submitted a request to cover recent, ongoing staffing and equipment needs.

He said the airport’s first‑year ARFF (aircraft rescue and firefighting) request is about $1,300,000 to cover additional personnel and related costs, including prior changes to move the team into a fire pay plan and known gaps to meet industry standards. Brian said the airport believes there is a case to add roughly three more ARFF personnel to meet recommended response standards.

On law enforcement, staff reported that terminal police staffing was initially funded in part by a Department of Homeland Security grant that later ended; the airport is currently covering 100% of the cost. The airport’s overall law‑enforcement request was described as about $657,000, which includes approximately $307,000 per year for additional civilian police aids and initial vehicle/equipment startup costs.

Brian said the Flagstaff Fire Department also submitted a separate 'safe staffing' request (an estimated $448,000) and that the Public Safety Citizen Committee will weigh these proposals and present recommendations to city council. The committee could recommend a ballot measure (sales tax, bond, or other revenue mechanisms) to fund one or more requests.

Commissioners asked for more detail about long‑term costs and how requests change in future years. Brian said some initial costs are higher in year one and may decrease in later years, and that more detailed budgets and presentations are posted on the city's website and YouTube channel for committee review.

No formal council action was taken at the meeting; the item was presented as an informational budget and public‑safety update and a demonstration of the needs the airport will press to the citizen committee.