Kent County board approves amended Kent County Fire Commission contract to align with county fiscal year

Kent County commissioners approved amendments to the Kent County Fire Commission contract that update fiscal-year references, clarify membership and define equipment-acquisition and maintenance procedures, county staff said.

The contract revisions — approved previously by the Kent County Fire Commission in May 2025 — change financial dates from calendar year to the county fiscal year, add definitions for preauthorized preventive maintenance and repair, and add clarity on apparatus acquisition outside the fire commission board and on Kent County purchasing assistance. The amended contract requires the county to be a secured interest on vehicles in order for members to receive county maintenance assistance. A conflict-of-interest statement was added, and member agencies are required to be financially prepared for apparatus acquisition and to comply with group insurance coverage requirements.

Purchasing staff member Joanie, who led the process, was present for questions. Commissioner Steck said the changes did not appear substantive to the structure of the commission; no substantive objections were recorded. The motion to approve the amended contract was moved by Commissioner Halstead and supported by Commissioner Green; commissioners then voted and the motion passed on the record.

The action matters to local fire agencies that participate in the commission because it affects timing of funds, expectations for maintenance support from the county and procurement roles between the commission and the county.