There are efforts to ensure modern technology isn’t a financial hardship for Enderby’s fire chief.
City council has asked administration to investigate the possibility of creating a technology allowance for the volunteer fire chief.
“The expenses of a cellular phone and data usage adds up,” said Mayor Greg McCune, adding that the fire chief’s activities are done on behalf of the city.
Council has also decided to increase the volunteer firefighters’ compensation so it’s consistent with the city’s collective agreement with unionized workers.
For 2014, compensation for all fire department positions climbed two per cent.
For a firefighter, that translates into $14.55 an hour, while a captain and training officer will receive $511 per year. Remuneration for the chief is $6,064 a year, while the deputy fire chief will receive $4,548 annually.
Compensation will increase two per cent in 2015, 1.75 per cent in 2016, 1.75 per cent in 2017 and two per cent in 2018.
Infrastructure proceeds
A major project is moving ahead in Enderby.
Council has awarded a tender for the Regent Avenue storm water pump station to Maddocks Construction. The total project cost is $1.2 million.
“The city received a Building Canada grant for $666,666 towards the cost of upgrading the storm water pump station,” said Tate Bengtson, chief administrative officer.
The project will be revised to include a $100,000 mobile back-up power generator instead of a fixed unit, while a third pump will be purchased for $52,000. Those funds will come from reserves.
