Both Elk Point council and the County of St. Paul have backed the replacement of a heavily used fire rescue truck, but the two municipalities are taking different approaches when it comes to approving the department’s interim budget.

The discussions took place during recent council meetings, highlighting the shared nature of fire services between the Town of Elk Point and the County of St. Paul.

Rescue truck replacement moves forward with support from both councils

Both councils supported moving ahead with replacing the Elk Point Fire Department’s aging rescue truck, a 2006 unit that is nearing the end of its service life.

In Elk Point, council heard the truck responds to roughly 75 per cent of calls, making it one of the most critical pieces of equipment in the department.

“It’s 75 per cent of calls,” council was told during the March 3 meeting.

County council heard similar numbers, with administration noting the truck handles about 70 per cent of calls, many of them within the county.

“It is a very highly utilized piece of equipment out there,” county council was told.

The new truck is expected to cost around $850,000, with approximately $740,000 already available in a dedicated reserve fund built through joint contributions and highway response billings.

Both councils also heard that ordering sooner helps avoid rising costs and long delivery timelines, currently estimated at about two years.

Elk Point council approved moving forward with the tendering process, while county council formally approved the replacement.

Fire budget approved by county, delayed in Elk Point

While both councils aligned on the equipment purchase, they diverged when it came to the Elk Point Fire Department’s interim operating budget.

The County of St. Paul approved the budget without extended debate.

In contrast, Elk Point council chose to delay its decision, citing the need for clearer financial information.

“The actual versus the projected versus the approved are very different,” council heard during discussion.

Administration explained that some revenue, particularly from Alberta Transportation, flows through the county before reaching the town, which can affect how and when it appears in financial reports.

Elk Point council ultimately voted to table the budget until updated revenue numbers are brought back for review.

Shared service highlights regional coordination

The discussions underscore how fire protection in the region operates as a shared service, with both municipalities contributing funding and relying on the same equipment and personnel.

Reserve funds for major purchases, such as the rescue truck, are built over time through contributions from both the town and county, along with revenue tied to emergency response callouts.

Council members on both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining reliable equipment for emergency response across the region.

“The rescue truck is what’s going to make a difference out there,” one county councillor said during debate.

With both councils now aligned on the replacement, the focus shifts to finalizing timelines and ensuring continued coordination between the municipalities on budgeting and operations.