Cleveland authorizes acceptance of tanker grant, agrees to provide roughly $500,000 local match

Cleveland City Council voted Dec. 9 to authorize staff to accept a tanker grant award and to provide the applicable local match, estimated in the meeting record at approximately $500,000; the motion passed unanimously.

A city representative outlined the department’s efforts to secure apparatus funding and said the city applied for the tanker grant roughly 13 years earlier and was awarded $300,000 on Oct. 14, 2025. Staff presented vendor-bid information showing apparatus prices ranging from roughly $500,000 to more than $1,000,000 after accounting for the grant, depending on the manufacturer and configuration. The presenter recommended a builder (HGAC procurement schedule referenced) who could provide a pumper-tanker that satisfies the grant requirements (tank capacity above 1,000 gallons and pump capacity approximately 1,500 gallons per minute).

The presentation noted procurement options and timing: designing and building a custom truck averages about three years, whereas joining an existing production slot could shorten delivery to about eight months. Staff said the grant is good for one year to receive the truck (with an option to apply for an extension if needed).

On the fleet, staff reported the department currently has two tankers: one approximately 23 years old and another about four to five years old; the older unit remains in service but is aged. Council discussed the urgency of replacing outdated apparatus and the rising cost of equipment. Councilwoman Rachel Hall moved to authorize staff to accept the grant and provide the required local funds by appropriate means (debt proceeds or future debt issuance); Councilman Julius Buckley seconded. The motion carried 5–0.

Staff will proceed with vendor coordination under grant requirements and return as needed with procurement details and funding schedules.