The City of Inverness is seeking federal funding to add firefighters as part of an ongoing effort to improve its fire protection rating, strengthen emergency response and potentially reduce insurance costs for residents and businesses. The city recently applied for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant, known as the SAFER Grant, which would help fund three additional firefighter positions for the Inverness Fire Department.
Fire Chief Bobby Bessler said additional staffing is the next major step in the department’s effort to improve its Insurance Services Office rating, commonly known as an ISO rating, which measures a community’s fire protection capabilities. Earlier this year, Inverness improved its ISO rating from a Class 5 to a Class 4, a change Bessler said has already benefited property owners. “I don’t know if you guys have got your insurance bills yet, but I got mine and I saw a pretty significant reduction,” Bessler said. The SAFER Grant would cover 75 percent of the cost for the first two years, with the city’s match at 25 percent. In the third year, the grant would cover 35 percent of the cost, with the city’s match at 65 percent.
The city would use funding for three additional full-time firefighter positions, increased staffing availability for emergency calls, and improved fire protection capabilities that could help the city continue lowering its ISO rating. If awarded, the grant would strengthen response and potentially reduce costs. The city council will review the grant details and decide whether to continue the positions after the fourth year.
Residents and businesses can benefit from a lower ISO rating, as it can lead to lower insurance costs. The Inverness Fire Department is working to improve its rating, and the SAFER Grant could be a significant step in that direction.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
Sources: Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
