MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Council has approved an increase to the project budget of the purchase of the new Sundre fire tanker from $535,000 to $855,000, with inflation being cited as a contributing factor in the increased cost.
“It is a necessary thing to keep our community safe,” said reeve Angela Aalbers. “I think things are getting more and more expensive.”
The move came by way of motion at the recent regularly scheduled council meeting, held in person and online.
Administration has originally budgeted $550,000 for replacement of the existing Sundre department tanker, which was subsequently approved by council during the 2024 project budget deliberations.
“This truck, due to exchange rate, inflation and chassis shortages is now expected to cost approximately $815,000,” said Chris Atchison. “Council should be aware that this price continues to increase as market demands increase.
“Further, it is expected that the delivery of this truck is greater than 24 months from the time of purchase. Administration recommends that additional funding be allocated to account for any cost increases between approval and contract signing.”
The $855,000 approved includes a contingency amount over the projected $815,000 cost, council heard.
In 2019 Mountain View County purchased four tankers for the Carstairs, Didsbury, Cremona and Olds fire departments. The tankers came in at a final cost of $440,000 each and were delivered in 2020.
“Those tankers are operational and very much appreciated by the departments,” he said.
