The city of Fairbanks is applying for a federal grant to pay for 3 additional Emergency Medical Staffers. Mayor Jim Matherly says he took the initiative to apply for the “Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response” or “SAFER” grant Wednesday, before the filing deadline. Matherly’s move followed a special council meeting Tuesday night on the grant, that failed to get a quorum.
Mayor Matherly says city badly needs additional EMS staff. City spokesperson Teal Soden points to data showing a significant rise in ambulance calls in recent years.
The new SAFER grant would cover one hundred percent of the cost of three new paramedics, but also requires the city retain four previous SAFER-funded positions, at a cost of $800,000 over 2 years. Soden says that’s a great deal for seven staff members, but council member Jerry Cleworth maintains the city just can’t afford it, given its budget situation.
Cleworth also points to recent months data showing the city doing better handling EMS responses, and says he’d rather see the city bolster fire department staff with volunteers.
Cleworth was one of 3 council members who did not show up for Tuesday’s special meeting. He says he had a conflict, but also thought the SAFER grant decision was done, after the council voted it down the previous week. Mayor Matherly says the city should hear back about the grant in about 6 weeks, and if successful, he’ll bring the award before the council to accept or reject.
