Teulon council is considering borrowing up to $600,000 to buy a new fire pumper truck and modern pumping equipment for the Teulon Rockwood Fire Department to replace aging and unreliable units.
The proposed borrowing represents the worst-case scenario and the actual amount might be less. With a 20-year repayment term and a maximum annual interest rate of 7.5 per cent, the annual repayment would be $58,855.31.
At a recent public hearing, several people attended in support, several more attended for information and no one attended in opposition.
The current primary pumping unit is 26 years old and it needs to be replaced to ensure the safety and reliability of the fire response system for the town and surrounding rural areas.
New equipment will help to improve response times and bolster protection.
“It is imperative to stay on top of our aging fleet. We need to be proactive to ensure that aging equipment is replaced to ensure the fire department can react quickly for that call that comes through,” said Teulon Mayor Todd Campbell. “Maintenance and end-of-life issues will result in escalating costs, and one breakdown could have serious consequences.”
The total cost of the new equipment is $1.5 million. In addition to the $600,000 in borrowing, the Town of Teulon would finance $150,000 from the fire equipment reserve. The RM of Rockwood will also fund $750,000.
Council gave first reading to the borrowing bylaw and voted unanimously in favour.
In other council news:
• Council approved a $4,673.03 quote for three Contour 6 benches. The price includes shipping and taxes.
“The contour benches will enhance our new park trail system and provide spots along the way to rest or take in the scenery,” Campbell said.
• Council approved a $1,701 quote for two waste and recycling bins from Recycle Everywhere for the park trails.
• Council defeated a sale and sealed bid quote of $2,652 for a rear discharge 3280D Toro Ground Master Diesel Mower.
• M Richard & Associates Ltd. will complete a climate change adoption plan for $56,752.50. The climate change adoption plan will be covered through grant funding.
• Teulon’s mayor, CAO and council were approved to attend the Association of Manitoba Municipalities convention in Winnipeg from Nov. 25 to 27.
• The town sponsored half the rental costs of the Teulon Rockwood Centennial Centre for a Halloween dance that took place Oct. 24.
• Council agreed to defer the purchase of cages and pallet forks until the 2026 budget year.
• Council recognized Medical Radiation Technologist Week from Nov. 2 to 8.
“Medical radiation technologists play a vital role in health care by providing accurate imaging that is essential for diagnosis, treatment planning and patient management,” Campbell said.
“Their expertise ensures the safe and effective use of imaging technologies such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI and nuclear medicine, thereby contributing significantly to patient outcomes and the overall quality of medical care.”
