The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) has launched an alternative approval process to purchase a new fire truck in Bouchie Lake, west of Quesnel.
A new engine is needed this year by the Bouchie Lake Volunteer Fire Department to meet certification requirements, according to a May 24 news release.
“In order to maintain the incredible service that the Bouchie Lake Volunteer Fire Department provides to the community critical equipment and resources need to be maintained and meet Canadian certification requirements on a regular basis,” said CRD Area B director Barb Bachmeier.
“If they are not replaced, property owners will not qualify for fire insurance discounts within those fire protection areas.”
A new engine/pumper truck would cost $545,000, and the CRD is seeking approval to borrow up to $350,000, with the remainder coming from reserves.
The purchasing cost would be spread out by 10-year fixed-rate financing, which the CRD said would create the least impact on cash flows and help the fire department build up savings for future maintenance and truck replacements.
Read More: Four Cariboo Regional District volunteer fire departments receive new fire trucks
If qualified electors in the Bouchie Lake fire protection areas support the CRD using 10-year term financing to purchase the fire truck, they do not have to do anything. However, if they are opposed, they will need to submit a signed elector response form by 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 5.
The Bouchie Lake Fire Protection Area budget would see an overall tax increase of five per cent (approximately $9,600) each year over the next four years of the financial plan.
“The increase in requisition is not due solely to the purchase of the new apparatus,” reads the news release.
“The 5% budgeted increases as planned are to counter inflationary costs pressures on normal operations and will be adjusted accordingly should inflation cool down.”
The proposed bylaw will go ahead unless 10 per cent or more of the eligible voters submit a signed elector response forming stating they are against the proposal.
The Bouchie Lake Volunteer Fire Department is one of 14 volunteer fire departments overseen by the CRD.
For more information, visit http://www.cariboord.ca/firedepartments.
Read More: Bouchie Lake fire chief happy with department’s work to extinguish wildfire
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