Photo: The Town of Bashaw council approved funds for its fire department to purchase a compressor. The decision was made at the May 20 regular meeting of council. Rural Alberta report/S.Salkeld

The Town of Bashaw council approved funds for its fire department to purchase a compressor. The decision was made at the May 20 regular meeting of council.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller requested an item be added to the agenda, a funding request for a fire department breathing apparatus air compressor, which council granted.

Fuller explained the Bashaw Fire Dept. was requesting funds to purchase an air compressor for filling air tanks, which would speed up the process as the tanks currently must be transported elsewhere for that service.

The CAO noted in her report that a brand-new air compressor of the required type was priced at $43,000; the fire dept. located a second-hand unit in Nanton, south of Calgary, that is in good condition and priced at $17,000. The CAO noted the second-hand price was considered fair.

Most readers would be familiar with the fact firefighters commonly use air tanks in their duties, and the tanks have to be refilled properly. Currently, to refill the Bashaw tanks properly, they must be transported out of town for that service.

During discussion, it was noted that Bashaw’s Public Works staff usually perform that duty during their regular work hours. The CAO noted that if the air compressor was acquired, it would eliminate the need for Public Works staff to transport the tanks and could possibly save the town up to $1,000 per year.

During discussion, more information about the second-hand unit was provided. It is functional but may require a bit of work after it is purchased. It was also noted any further hook-up costs would be under $1,000, and the fire dept. has a budget that would cover those expenses, if needed.

Councillors asked how the air compressor would be transported to Bashaw if purchased. The CAO responded that transportation would have to be arranged, which could include rental of a utility trailer if needed. Fuller stated she didn’t know if the Town of Bashaw owned a flat-deck trailer that could accommodate the compressor.

Councillors also wanted a bit more information about the second-hand unit. Fuller stated it appears the owners bought a newer air compressor and the one in question was no longer needed. It was again noted the second-hand unit is functional.

Coun. Kyle McIntosh observed that by purchasing the air compressor for fire dept. breathing tanks, the town may not only save money but improve efficiency; the town’s Public Works staff would not have to spend time driving the tanks around and could instead stay in town to perform duties.

The CAO noted the restricted operating reserve (fire reserve) had enough funds in it to cover the purchase. Readers should note the Bashaw Fire Dept. holds fundraising events and also receives donations, all of which are held by the town for requests like this one.

Councillors unanimously approved $17,000 from that reserve to purchase the second-hand air compressor as requested.