But a small town must maintain a critical mass of economic activity to survive as anything more than a bedroom community.

Both towns maintain their own K-6 school districts, separate from the regional district.

At the minimum, towns maintain their roads and zone land.

The bush hospital is closed, but the town maintains some medical supplies in the event of a train disaster.

The town does not maintain a municipal police force.

"But whether the town could maintain both facilities is a question."

The town has steadily maintained a population of around 3000 since the 1940s, though industries responsible for its growth have come and gone.

The town has its own electric division and maintains rates well below the state's average.

"Basically the town maintained the kind of life that we've always had," he said.

The town also maintains a public pool and four tennis courts.