The City of Cibolo has secured a substantial $1.8 million grant from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, aimed at hiring 12 new firefighters. This development is part of a broader effort to bolster emergency services in anticipation of the city's growth, according to the City of Cibolo News List.
Mayor Kara Latimer emphasized the importance of the grant, stating that it represents a key achievement in the city's Strategic Plan. "The SAFER Grant provides the City of Cibolo with the support needed to continue delivering services as we grow," she said, highlighting the grant's role in ensuring a vital safety net for emergency response as development progresses.
The grant, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Grant Programs Directorate, is designed to help fire departments increase the number of trained firefighters available to serve their communities. City Manager Wayne Reed noted that the grant allows Cibolo to save $1.8 million over a three-year period, enabling a responsible build-up of the local revenue base. This financial strategy will help transition the 12 firefighter positions into the General Fund for long-term sustainability.
Funding Details and Future Plans
The grant funding plan involves a combination of federal funds and a required local match. For fiscal years 2027 and 2028, the federal government will cover 75% of the personnel costs, with Cibolo contributing the remaining 25%. By fiscal year 2029, the federal share will decrease to 35%, while the city's contribution will increase to 65%. This phased approach is intended to allow Cibolo to gradually assume a larger share of staffing costs before fully funding the positions in fiscal year 2030 through the General Fund.
- FY 2027: Federal Share - 75%, City Share - 25%, Total Cost - $976,566.48
- FY 2028: Federal Share - 75%, City Share - 25%, Total Cost - $976,566.48
- FY 2029: Federal Share - 35%, City Share - 65%, Total Cost - $976,566.48
Fire Chief Mario Troncoso expressed his satisfaction with the grant award, noting that securing the SAFER Grant has been a major priority since 2019. "Receiving this SAFER Grant award marks a pivotal investment in the emergency services of Cibolo and Guadalupe County," he said. The 12 new firefighters will staff the upcoming Public Safety Facility/Fire Station 4 on Bolton Road, which is projected to open in May 2028. This expansion is expected to enhance response times, strengthen critical incident operations, and ensure preparedness to protect lives and property across the community.
For more information about the SAFER Grant program, residents can visit FEMA’s SAFER Grant webpage.