The city of Kent and Kent State University are considering an already-drafted agreement to share funding for a new 100-foot ladder truck for the Kent Fire Department.
The memorandum of understanding would have KSU paying 25% of the estimated $2 million total cost, forwarding the funds in five $100,000 payments from 2026 through 2030.
In a March 17, 2025, letter to City Manager Dave Ruller and Budget and Finance Director Rhonda Hall, Fire Chief James Samels stated that the city’s current ladder truck is 31 years old and has needed many costly repairs to keep it operational and on the road.
Since prices for new trucks have been significantly increasing, and delivery can take up to four-and-a-half years, he requested appropriation of 10% over the now-$2 million total cost. That 10% would bring Kent’s commitment to $2.2 million.
Council’s Committee of the Whole on April 2 approved the measure, which full council will consider during its April 16 meeting.
KSU and Kent have collaborated on funding and acquiring essential fire equipment since 1993.
Samels told council that the two parties have applied for a federal FEMA grant and for state funding. He noted that the government funding sources have not come through at this point.
Should Kent secure funding sources that would help pay for the ladder truck, the agreement allows Kent to use funds KSU already paid to buy other fire department response vehicles. If Kent cannot secure additional or alternative funding sources, and the cost of the truck exceeds $2 million, university and city leaders would discuss increasing KSU’s $500,000 commitment so it still provides 25% of the total retail cost.
Under the terms of the agreement, Kent will be solely responsible for the selection, commitment, payment, operation and maintenance of the truck. If the city decides not to purchase the truck at all, it will return all KSU’s money. If KSU experiences a financial emergency or fiscal urgent demand, it would be excused from further payments, but would not get funds already dispersed back.
Wendy DiAlesandro is a former Record Publishing Co. reporter and contributing writer for The Portager.