Emerson-Franklin finalizes budget

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This article was published 14/04/2021 (1588 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Council in the RM of Emerson-Franklin has adopted a 2021 budget that will usher in a tax increase of two percent or less in all areas of the municipality.

The 2021 financial plan was presented at a March 24 public hearing.

The general at-large mill rate and LUD general mill rate are both increasing by less than one percent. The rural mill rate is increasing by three percent.

According to tax examples provided by the RM, a Dominion City home assessed at $138,300 can expect to pay $19 more in municipal property tax. An equivalent Emerson home can expect to pay $33 less.

A rural farm assessed at $392,600 can expect to owe $32 more in municipal property tax. The same farm in the LUD of Emerson will owe $6 more.

CAO Tracey French said the Emerson tax rate is benefitting from a $1.4 million increase in assessment stemming from port of entry expansions.

The other half of the tax bill—education property tax—will vary by school division. Three school divisions operate within Emerson-Franklin. The Hanover and Red River Valley school divisions decreased their respective mill rates, while Border Land’s mill rate increased.

Most local government departments will see budget increases of between two and five percent.

The majority of the capital projects contained in the municipality’s 2021 budget depend on grant funding from higher levels of government.

Water and sewer main renewals in Emerson and Dominion City are planned to replace infrastructure installed in the 1950s.

Painting and restoration work is planned for the historic town hall building in Emerson. Ten new serviced campsites are also in the works for the Emerson campground. French said the project would nearly double the campground’s current number of sites.

The RM is also planning an asphalt renewal program. French said Tuesday that a list of streets is still being finalized.

The next phase of a fibre optic internet rollout will continue this year in Emerson and surrounding rural areas. Cables arrived last year in Dominion City, ending years of patchy internet service.

Planned equipment purchases include back-up generators for lift stations, a mini excavator, and a new side-by-side mower, as well as gear for the fire department funded by a provincial grant.

The RM’s community development corporation plans to implement a strategic plan to boost economic development. Areas of focus include the Emerson port of entry, digital and transportation infrastructure, and community development.