The Town of Bashaw is considering paying for the cost of a Regional Flush Truck upfront and letting its partnering municipalities, Rosalind and Bawlf pay their share in payments.
Bashaw Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller told council, during its regular meeting Jan. 18, that the current truck in the regional partnership doesn’t have the capacity to function in winter months because it doesn’t have a boiler.
“Public Works foreman has been informed about a possible replacement truck that is newer than our current truck and would have the capacity for boiler installation,” said CAO Fuller in her report to council.
She asked council if they would be willing to front the initial costs and possibly annual payments.
She added that the town missed the deadline for Alberta Collaboration Partnership grant and it’s uncertain when applications will open again or if the program will continue.
An option to fund the purchase would be dipping into reserves to fund the $60,000 unit. It will cost about $10,000 install a boiler on the truck.
CAO Fuller said the town reached out to other nearby municipalities, including Hay Lakes, Clive and Donalda but haven’t received a decision yet.
Mayor Penny Shantz said she agreed with administration to ask other municipalities.
Coun. Rosella Peterman said she didn’t like the thought of dipping into reserves but added that is what why there are reserves.
No motion was required but council directed administration to continue contacting neighbouring municipalities to join in the partnership.
Lisa Joy
ECA Review
