Public safety committee reports staffing progress; federal SAFER grant sought for three firefighters
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Summary
The council received a public safety committee briefing on levy‑funded hires, patrol staffing, an anticipated third‑quarter budget amendment and a renewed SAFER grant application to fund three firefighter positions and shift staffing to 12‑hour schedules.
Anacortes — At its July 7 meeting the council heard a public safety committee update noting progress filling levy positions, ongoing recruitment for police and fire roles, and staff intent to reapply for federal SAFER grant funding to add three firefighters.
Councilmember Hubick reported the committee met July 1 and that one of five new levy police positions had been filled and sworn in; additional background checks and academy graduations were underway. On the fire/EMS side Hubick said the EMS levy had funded capital purchases in 2025 and that the focus is shifting to salaries. She said the department has one opening remaining among eight levy positions for EMS/fire and that upcoming retirements and family leave will create additional vacancies and overtime costs.
Hubick said staff anticipates bringing a third‑quarter budget amendment to council to cover overtime and training increases, and that the SAFER federal grant—if obtained—would fund three additional fire positions and allow a move to 12‑hour shifts.
Why it matters: Staffing decisions affect response capacity and overtime costs. A successful SAFER award would change the department’s staffing model and budget picture; if the grant is not obtained, the city would need local funding to support added positions.