Cuts in fire equipment, supplies proposed to meet first year grant match

Despite the downturn in the economy, Peachtree City has an opportunity for a federal grant that would partially fund six new firefighting positions over a five-year period.

The grant would pay $650,280 over the five years and the city would be responsible for the remaining $1.02 million. The city’s outlay in the first year is projected at $50,238 for the first year.

But those funds will come at a cost as the fire department is proposing to delay a number of purchases for a year including dive team and water rescue equipment, firefighting foam, station cleaning supplies and more.

Also the department is diverting money from professional services including funds for drug screening, medical physicals and vaccines in addition to foregoing several training conferences.

The six firefighters will add two firefighters per shift for a total of 19 firefighters at all four fire stations.

The City Council is expected to vote on the grant at its regular meeting Thursday night.