Report Prepared by: Janet German, Management Analyst, Fire Department
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Submit a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) with an Estimated Total Project Cost of $500,000 to Implement a Comprehensive, Department-Wide Hazardous Materials Training Program with a City Match of 10% ($45,454.55) of the Grant Funds
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution 2026-33 authorizing the submittal of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) with an estimated total project cost of $500,000 to prepare firefighters for the unique challenges posed by new energy sources and evolving transportations risks. A local match of 10% ($45,454.55) of the grant funds is required.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2026-33, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, authorizing the City Manager to Ratify the Submission of a Grant Application with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG).
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve with modifications; or,
3. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200
Charter of the City of Merced, Article IV, Section 405
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public safety as provided by the City Council goals and priorities.
DISCUSSION
The Merced Fire Department (MFD) is preparing an application for grant funding to fund specialized hazardous material training to meet minimum training standards established for State (Regional) Hazardous Material (HazMat) Teams as well as enhance response capabilities. This will help ensure the MFD has adequate equipment and training to meet the minimum capabilities to meet State and Federal standards. The grant project will enhance staff readiness, effectiveness, safety, and wellness. The grant application period opened on May 19, 2026, at 9 a.m. ET and closes on June 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET. Grant awards will be announced from August 31, 2026, through September 30, 2026. The performance period is variable, but generally between 12-36 months.
Our proposed project focuses on securing federal funding to implement a comprehensive, department-wide Hazardous Materials Training Program.
Currently, our department faces critical gaps in advanced HazMat response, leaving the community vulnerable to transportation and industrial chemical incidents. Securing this grant will allow us to transition from a defensive, awareness-only posture to an offensive, technician-level operational capability without placing a heavy financial burden on our local operating budget.
The department has a proven history of successfully obtaining and administering Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) funding. Previous AFG awards have been used to acquire self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and related safety equipment, as well as to provide critical training opportunities for personnel. These investments have enhanced responder safety, strengthened operational readiness, and improved the department’s ability to deliver effective emergency medical and fire response services. The department has demonstrated its ability to responsibly manage federal grant funds and comply with all grant reporting and administrative requirements.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is required at this time. Should the grant be awarded, the fire department will return to Council to formally accept the grant and amend the budget for the City’s local match of 10%, amounting to approximately $45,454.55. Grant acceptance would be contingent upon Council’s approval. If grant funding is awarded, a supplemental appropriation of 10% of the project cost ($500,000) will be needed from the unappropriated General Fund, Measure C, or Measure Y fund balance for use as the City of Merced’s local match as required by the grant’s terms and conditions. Additionally, the use of pooled cash to cover the initial outlays of the grant would be required until grant funds are reimbursed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution 2026-33