A High River community supporter will have to go through the proper channels to get reimbursed for money he spent refurbishing the town's old fire truck.

Hank Leefrink approached town council Monday to get back the $5,212 he spent bringing Engine 47 back to life.

While all of council applauded his spirit and drive, only councillor Don Moore suggested he could be reimbursed out of council's public relations budget.

Councillor Bruce Masterman was totally against that idea and he and Mayor Craig Snodgrass said a process has been put in place for groups and individuals to take their ideas and plans to the Community Vitality Advisory Committee before moving ahead.

They wanted that process to remain in place and told Leefrink to go back and approach that committee for funding, which he says he will do.

As part of an original presentation the idea was floated that the truck could represent the town at parades in other communities.

But there was also some question as who would do it and who pay for it.

Councillor Cathy Couey asked whether Leefrink and the businesses that did the restoration work on the truck, who were all local, would be eligible for a charitable tax receipt if the committee decides not to reimburse him and she was assured he is.