Rosser residents will be paying five per cent more in taxes this year, with 2.6 per cent attributed to estimated inflation and the remaining 2.4 per cent due to growth.
In addition to estimated inflation, the budget assumes increases in primary vendor rates for fuel (45%), Canada Post commercial mail (25%), overall insurance premiums (10%), City of Winnipeg interceptor service (5%), overall phone and internet services (4%) and Manitoba Hydro (4%).
The 2026 mill rate will be 5.473, and the budget includes $1,821,000 in new external borrowing for a hydrogen sulfide treatment facility.
The majority of operating expenses will go toward fiscal services ($4.5 million) and reserve transfers ($4.1 million). Other major expenditures include transportation services ($2.7 million), general government services ($2.4 million) and economic development services ($1.8 million). Additional expenses include protective services ($806,800), recreation and cultural services ($204,000), environmental development services ($161,000), environmental health services ($62,800) and public health and welfare services ($9,100).
The $216,299 increase in general government payroll and benefits expenses includes a three per cent cost-of-living wage increase, wage adjustments resulting from a study comparing RM of Rosser employee positions with similar positions in other Capital Region municipalities, and additional staffing to support the municipality’s ongoing growth.
A major budget priority is the development of CentrePort wastewater infrastructure. Phase 1 of the wastewater treatment facility project will include the forcemain and a temporary wastewater facility. Looking ahead to 2027, the estimated cost of Phase 2 is $19 million.
The public works and fire protection services fleets will also expand, and the municipality’s transportation infrastructure will continue to grow. The RM will also focus on continuing the development of water runoff drainage infrastructure.
In addition, the RM will continue to provide grants to community clubs and organizations while also applying for and using grants to help offset municipal costs.
As part of its long-term planning, the municipality will also undertake economic and environmental studies.
