The Rural Municipality of Thompson council approved its 2026 interim operating budget and moved forward on several emergency preparedness, financial and planning initiatives during meetings held Dec. 11 and Dec. 30.
At its Dec. 11 regular meeting, council adopted a $941,700 interim operating budget to maintain municipal services until the full 2026 financial plan is finalized. Transportation services accounted for the largest allocation at $280,000, followed by general government services at $200,000 and fiscal services at $192,000.
Capital requirements totalling $204,000 will be funded through reserves, while $40,800 in utility operating costs will be covered through operations.
Council also approved participation in the AlertMB program, enabling the municipality to issue official emergency alerts to residents during critical incidents. The decision followed information provided by Emergency Management Manitoba and is intended to strengthen public safety and emergency communications.
As part of its emergency management responsibilities, council adopted the 2026 RM of Thompson Emergency Plan and approved the results of a tabletop emergency exercise conducted Nov. 18. The exercise met provincial regulatory requirements under The Emergency Measures Act.
Several financial matters were also addressed. Council amended a previously approved transfer from the cemetery reserve, reducing the amount to $21,000, with remaining costs to be covered by the general fund. Councillor Travis Reichert declared a conflict of interest and abstained from voting on the item.
Council authorized payment of a firefighter advanced first aid training invoice, with costs split between the 2025 and 2026 budgets. A transfer of $2,212.50 from the general operating fund to the fire vehicle reserve was also approved following reimbursement for tanker-related equipment costs.
Planning decisions included approval of a farmstead subdivision application. Council also adopted its 2026–27 Accessibility Plan, outlining steps to identify, prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities in municipal services, facilities and communications, as required under provincial legislation.
At its Dec. 30 meeting, council approved a series of infrastructure agreements, funding transfers and governance decisions.
Council authorized payment of a progress invoice related to the Sylvester Bridge rehabilitation and approved the transfer of $86,500.18 from the Manitoba Growth and Renewal Opportunities (GRO) account to the general operating fund to cover the cost. The project is supported through provincial GRO funding.
Council also approved entering into a project contribution agreement with the Province of Manitoba under the GRO program for the Waste Disposal Ground Expansion and Master Plan project, authorizing the chief administrative officer to execute the agreement on the municipality’s behalf.
Further infrastructure planning advanced with approval of a cost-sharing agreement with the Manitoba Water Services Board for a Miami wastewater treatment lagoon feasibility study. The RM’s $35,000 share of the study will be repaid from the Local Urban District reserve.
Council also approved a tax payment agreement for arrears as presented.
A significant land-use decision saw council request provincial approval to expand the Miami Local Urban District boundary following the purchase of 15.35 acres west of the existing boundary. Administration was authorized to submit the required documentation, including maps and legal descriptions, to Manitoba Municipal Relations
