Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 5.A
Meeting Date: October 22, 2025
From: Michael Contreras, Fire Chief
Title: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) FEMA AFG Grant FY24
RECOMMENDATION:
To accept an Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the amount of $877,703.63 and authorize $87,770.37 in local match funds.
BACKGROUND:
The Fire Department submitted an application for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in December 2024. The application has been approved in the amount of $877,703.63 in federal funding. As a condition of this grant, it is required for the city to contribute non-federal funds equal to or greater than 10.0% of the federal funds awarded, or $87,770.37, for a total approved budget of $965,474.00.
DISCUSSION:
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) will be dedicated to specialized training programs. This grant will cover 24 trainees for Confined Space Rescue Technician, Hazmat Technician, Heavy Vehicle Rescue Technician, Machinery Rescue Technician, River and Flood Rescue Technician, Rope Rescue Awareness/Operations, Rope Rescue Technician, Structure Collapse Specialist I, Structure Collapse Specialist II, Swift Water Rescue, and Trench Rescue. The grant will also cover Firefighter II training for 8 firefighters. Travel and Overtime costs are also included in the grant.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The city match in the amount of $877,703.63 will be absorbed in the existing FY 2025/26 and FY 2026/27 budgets.
FISCAL YEAR
DESCRIPTION GENERAL
LEDGER
ACCOUNT
CODES
PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME or
ONGOING
2025-2026 &
2026-2027 Grant Revenue
259-300-330-
331-6700-
6701-
G0XXXX -$877,703.63 Grant Signing
to 9/26/2027
2025-2026 &
2026-2027 Grant
Expenses
259-300-330-
331-XXXX-
8XXX/9XXX
G0XXXX $877,703.63 Grant Signing
to 9/26/2027
2025-2026 &
2026-2027 Grant Match
Expenses
100-300-330-
331-8XXX-
8XXX
G0XXXX $87,770.37 Grant Signing
to 9/26/2027
2025-2028 Total $965,474.00
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal D – INNOVATION
Objective: Cathedral City continually focusses on improving service delivery and customer experiences by successfully leveraging technology and creative initiatives to improve public services, public safety, and stimulate economic growth.
D-7 Implement innovative community-based Fire Prevention programs regarding Drowning, Smoke Alarm Installation, Paramedic Services, Fall Prevention, and CPR.
Goal E - SAFETY
Objective: Cathedral City is safe for all who live, work, visit, and play in our community.
E-4 Strengthen the City's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters by reviewing and updating the City's Emergency Operations Plans through annual training sessions and tabletop exercises.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. EMW-2024-FG-01629 - Award Package