Revelstoke Fire Rescue will have to wait a bit before getting a new fire truck.
Council delayed the replacement of the 30-year-old pumper truck, instead opting to study the matter over the next budget cycle before moving ahead with the purchase.
The city's five-year financial plan calls for the purchase of a new pumper truck in 2016. Fire Chief Rob Girard asked council for permission to begin the tender process to replace the aging truck, but instead council postponed the decision.
“I was under the impression we deferred this out for one year," said Mayor Mark McKee, instead asking the matter be part of the 2016 budget discussions.
“I’m asking the budget focus group to make this one of its first priorities," he said.
Girard's report to council says fire apparatus should be replaced within 20 years. The city's capital plan calls for $47,000 to be budgeted on the truck in 2016, and $94,000 each subsequent year of a five-year lease. It's listed as a number one priority.
Council agreed to a motion to defer the purchase.
“I’m not saying we’re not buying it. I’m saying we need more time before buying it," said McKee.