The Rural Municipality of Thompson has approved its 2026 financial plan following a brief public hearing that drew no objections from residents.
Council adopted the budget during its April 24 meeting after a public hearing lasting one minute, with no presentations made either in support of or opposition to the plan.
Alongside the budget approval, council dealt with a range of infrastructure, operations and community funding matters.
Tenders were awarded for several municipal services, including mowing contracts for the Local Urban District of Miami, the Miami cemetery and rural areas. The LUD mowing contract was set at $18,000 for 2026 and $19,500 for 2027, while the cemetery and rural mowing tenders were awarded at $10,930 and $29,512 annually, respectively.
Council also approved a two-year agreement for aggregate hauling, with rates set at $0.48 per loaded yard of gravel and $0.44 per loaded yard of shale.
Public works updates included ongoing drainage work, booster station upgrades and discussions around fibre installation requests and their potential impact on municipal infrastructure.
The municipality continues to explore longer-term projects, including lagoon expansion and enhancements to services at the Miami Medical Clinic, according to the chief administrative officer’s report.
Council approved several administrative and operational items, including the purchase of a used triaxle lowbed trailer for $48,825, funded largely through the municipality’s replacement reserve.
A proposal from Superior Propane for equipment and service supply to municipal facilities was also accepted.
In planning matters, council approved a subdivision application to create two rural residential lots, subject to provincial approvals, shared access requirements and a heritage resource impact assessment.
Council gave third and final reading to a bylaw governing the use of municipal resources during elections, while the municipality’s 2026 tax levy bylaw received first reading but was later tabled.
Support was also granted for a local mud bog event organized by the Miami Power Toboggan Club, with council agreeing to provide a letter backing the group’s permit application.
Through its community trust funds, the municipality approved more than $25,000 in grants for local organizations, supporting projects ranging from facility upgrades and programming to beautification and equipment purchases.
Council also confirmed staffing and pay rates for the upcoming municipal election and approved participation in the 2026 Urban/Hometown Green Team program, including the hiring of two seasonal employees.
