Ponoka County has overtaken the administrative functions of the Rimbey Fire Department.
County CAO Charlie Cutforth and county council found the administrative duties too much for the Town of Rimbey to handle and that they needed help.
“Ponoka County will take on ownership and administration. They (Town of Rimbey) will simply pay on a cost share basis,” said Cutforth, referring to the cost of the operation.
The decision came in a special county meeting, held Monday, April 20 and for the next 15 years, the town will receive free fire services. The operation will also be insured under Ponoka County.
“For the town, it’s some relief on their annual operating budget,” said Cutforth.
With Ponoka County taking on the administrative duties from the town, reports filled out by the Rimbey Fire Department will now be taken to Ponoka County administrative assistant for protection services Donna Noble.
The actual practices of the firefighters will see no change stemming from the decision.