ATHABASCA – It has been about 25 years since firefighters with Athabasca County Fire Services have seen an increase to their training stipend, but that will likely change with the adoption of the 2021 budget.
Athabasca County councillors reviewed an administrative report from emergency services director Ron Jackson at their Nov. 12 policy review committee meeting that recommended a 100 per cent increase in the stipend firefighters receive for days spent training.
Jackson’s report noted the stipend is currently paid out at $100 per day at the completion of training. If the training is attended for less than a full day, the stipend is paid out at $20 per hour. This policy has been in place, without a revision, since 1996.
The report recommended the stipend be increased to $200 for a full day of training to match the stipend paid to committee volunteers, which was increased $50 to $200 at the county’s October organizational meeting.
“A lot of times these guys are going to all-day training and exercises — they’re giving up Saturdays, they’re giving up Sundays, they’re giving up a lot of personal time to do this, so it probably fits and is reasonable considering we went to $200 for other volunteers,” said county manager Ryan Maier, clarifying that the stipend was for National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) accredited courses and training only and was separate from the amount paid for responding to calls.
Between the county’s nine fire departments, 370 full days were spent by individual firefighters in training in the last year — at $100 per day, that’s $37,000 — and with the proposed increase, that number could potentially double.
No councillors were against an increase, but a few expressed some reticence in doubling the current stipend considering the budget issues that are sure to arise in the coming year.
“The volunteer firefighters are amazing and I thank them for their dedication and sacrifice of their personal time, I can’t say enough good things. On the other hand, to come in and ask for a 100 per cent raise to double this amount … really blows me away,” said Coun. Christi Bilsky.
Reeve Larry Armfelt agreed that the recommended amount of the increase initially took him aback.
“I would like to give them what they’re asking for,” said Coun. Penny Stewart. “I think there are probably other places we need to look at cutting, versus this, but yes, I think it needs to go to budget.”
“If we don’t treat these guys right, and they don’t want to volunteer, then what? That’s going to cost us a bloody fortune,” said Coun. Dwayne Rawson. “I do believe that during budget we will find other places we can shave that will give us some money to support these guys.”
“I would rather pay the $200 and have a trained individual come to a fire, an accident, or whatever,” said Coun. Doris Splane. “We did this with the other volunteers to encourage getting people to volunteer. I am all for giving them the $200.”
Councillors Travais Johnson, Warren Griffin and Kevin Haines also agreed it would be money well spent.
“This is well worth the money, for what they do,” said Bilsky, but added she would like to see council go back and look at the amount of per diems for committees.
Council agreed unanimously to take the recommendation into future budget meetings for 2021.
