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Money well spent

While some people may look at every expense the town runs up with concern for the taxpayer’s dime, there are some costs that cannot be avoided.

While some people may look at every expense the town runs up with concern for the taxpayer’s dime, there are some costs that cannot be avoided.

Those people may look at the town’s decision to spend nearly $365,000 on a new fire truck, and think it’s a ludicrous idea when the town already has a fire hall filled with working equipment.

It must be acknowledged, however, that one of those trucks has been in service since Pierre Trudeau was Prime Minister.

It is also necessary to note that fire trucks have a limited lifespan, and the aforementioned truck will have been in service for nearly double the recommended time when its replacement arrives.

For those reasons, council’s decision to spend what is, admittedly, a large sum of money is the right one.

Routine maintenance, or even a superior rebuilding program, can only delay replacement of equipment for so long. Eventually you will need to bite the bullet.

The new truck will be a strong complement to the rest of the fire department’s fleet. Plus, it will serve as an improvement on its predecessor by virtue of being 36 years its junior.

Of course, there will always be questions raised about this purchase. Is the cost the best bargain the town could get?

Would it have been possible to get a better-equipped truck for the same cost?

These are questions the answers to which we may never know.

What must not be questioned is the fire department’s judgment. The members of the fire department work on the fire trucks regularly. They know what shape they are in, regardless of outward appearances.

If they say it’s time to replace one piece of equipment, who are we to question them or tell them it’s not necessary?

If they are to do their jobs properly, they need the support of the community. They need to know their decisions when it comes to our safety will be accepted. They need to know that we know there are times we don’t know best.

This new truck will be a welcome addition to our public safety, and we await its arrival.

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