The Rural Municipality of Dufferin has approved its 2026 financial plan, with council highlighting a modest increase in municipal taxes alongside significant investment in infrastructure and services.
Council gave final approval to the budget through By-law No. 2041 on April 14.
The municipality has set a general municipal tax rate of 8.991 mills. When combined with two at-large special levies — 0.174 mills for machinery replacement and 0.155 mills for the municipal shop debenture — property owners will see a total municipal mill rate of 9.320 on their tax bills.
Based on the overall tax requirement, the municipality expects an increase of approximately two per cent in municipal taxes for 2026. The amount raised through municipal taxation is projected at $4,409,962.99, compared to $4,321,699.35 in 2025.
Education taxes, which are collected on behalf of school divisions, will see a more substantial increase overall, rising to $5,732,341 from $4,907,998 last year. Rates vary depending on the applicable school division.
Municipal revenue will also be supported by $1.98 million in conditional grants, with funding secured through programs such as Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities (Manitoba GRO) and the Municipal Economic Development Infrastructure Program (MEDIP). These grants will support major projects, including two bridge replacements and an addition to the municipal fire hall.
Total municipal expenditures are projected at approximately $7.7 million, up from just over $6 million last year. The increase reflects both rising costs and continued investment in infrastructure and services.
Transportation remains the largest area of spending, covering public works labour, fuel, equipment operation and materials. The municipality has budgeted $1,043,419 for gravel in 2026, a seven per cent increase from $920,433 last year, as it works to maintain and improve its road network. Hydro costs are also expected to rise by about four per cent.
General government expenses include provisions for the 2026 municipal election, estimated at $32,855, along with a two per cent increase in assessment services and an eight per cent increase in liability insurance.
Infrastructure expansion continues to be a priority, particularly for rural water services. New waterline projects will be funded through local improvement levies applied only to the properties that benefit. The municipality typically sees about 10 new water connections each year, with several applications currently in progress.
Council also adopted a five-year capital plan outlining more than $4.6 million in planned spending between 2027 and 2031. The program includes equipment replacement, such as graders and trucks, as well as continued investment in water infrastructure.
Property taxes for 2026 are due Oct. 30. The municipality is offering early payment incentives, including a one per cent discount in July, 0.75 per cent in August and 0.5 per cent in September. A monthly penalty of 1.25 per cent will apply to unpaid balances after the deadline.
