The Town of Elk Point is moving ahead with the purchase of a new rescue truck for the Elk Point Fire Department, saying buying now will save taxpayers money in the long run.

During its June 22 meeting, council awarded the rescue truck replacement contract to Fort Garry Fire Trucks after receiving a single proposal that came in under the project’s $800,000 budget.

Administration told council the bid was approximately $700,000.

Before approving the purchase, councillors questioned the nearly two-year delivery timeline and payment schedule.

Administration explained the truck is expected to take about 22 months to build, with only a partial payment required upfront and the balance due as construction progresses.

The biggest factor behind the recommendation, however, was cost.

Administration warned that changes to emissions requirements have already increased manufacturing costs, with additional price hikes expected in the coming years.

“We’ve actually got some of the increases on the emissions already included,” administration explained. “But there’s more coming.”

Another official added, “The steel ain’t going down either.”

Council agreed that purchasing now would protect the Town from future inflation.

“I think when we talked about it… ” It was a massive amount that we would save on a purchase today versus what we’re looking at down the road,” Councillor Jason Boorse noted.

Council unanimously approved the recommendation, officially awarding the contract to Fort Garry Fire Trucks.