The County of Stettler council has voted to push for an increase to the fire response fee cap, aiming to help recover costs from firefighting.
During the Sept. 23 council meeting, Councillor Wade Hunter brought forward concerns regarding the county’s current cap on recoverable fire costs, citing two structure fires near his property where the expenses of the response far exceeded the limit.
“We have a set fee that we cap at $5,000 that we can charge the insurance company, and I think we probably could have charged $10,000 to $15,000 more,” Hunter told council.
Hunter noted that typical commercial and agricultural fire coverage minimums sit around $25,000, leaving substantial money on the table under the current policy.
“I would much rather see insurance companies pay these costs than our ratepayers,” Hunter added.
Council discussed the difference between baseline readiness, funded through municipal property taxes and response costs, which include hourly equipment rates, fuel, firefighting foam, and equipment repairs.
Staff advised that setting fees by property class is legally sound and reflects varying response hazards and insurance limits, whereas charging based strictly on “who is paying” could face legal challenges.
Because the County of Stettler is transitioning fire services under the Heartland Fire Commission, council looked at how the fee structures will interact with the new regional body.
Under the draft framework, the commission sets regional rates and bills member municipalities, (County of Stettler, Big Valley, Donalda, Rochon Sands, White Sands) which then decide how much to recoup from ratepayers or insurers.
To ensure county taxpayers do not absorb disproportionate costs during the transition, Councillor Justin Stevens introduced a motion recommending that the Heartland Fire Commission adjust its cost recovery caps upward.
“Everyone seems to be open to raising the fees, especially if insurance covers more than what our cap is,” Stevens said prior to the vote.
The motion passed unanimously.
The County of Stettler formally voted to establish the Heartland Regional Fire Commission alongside four partner municipalities during its Sept. 9 meeting.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
