Charlie Lake Fire Department budget reviewed

Friday, March 12, 2010

By Christine Rumleskie

A proposed $100,000 increase to the Charlie Lake Fire Department's budget has been denied by the Peace River Regional District.

During the first reading of the PRRD's 2010 budget on Thursday, the board amended a few lines in the Fire Departments budget, including the addition of one paid firefighter to the fire hall.

Area directors held a meeting in February, to gauge public interest on hiring a new firefighter.

Director of Area 'C' Arthur Hadland says there was little interest in the idea.

After the meeting, the Charlie Lake/Grandhaven Fire Protection Society met with directors to discuss the budget. Hadland voted against the motion to increase the 2010 budget.

But Director of Area 'B', Karen Goodings says she has a different perspective of the proposal.

The fire hall currently operates on a volunteer basis, but has been having trouble recruiting volunteer firefighters.

The fire chief is currently the only paid employee at the fire hall, making around $100,000 per year.