The Rural Municipality of Thompson has approved a balanced 2026 financial plan totaling just over $5.2 million, with a strong focus on infrastructure upgrades, reserve contributions and long-term capital planning.
Council adopted the financial plan through Resolution No. 2026-04-46, with total municipal revenue and expenditures both budgeted at $5,203,418.85.
The municipality’s net municipal taxes and grants in lieu of taxes are projected at $2.43 million in 2026, up from approximately $2.35 million in the 2025 budget. School requisitions are also increasing significantly, rising from $2.25 million to $2.6 million.
Transportation services remain the municipality’s largest operational expense at nearly $1.29 million, reflecting continued investment in roads, drainage, culverts and snow removal. Recreation and cultural services are budgeted at more than $2 million, largely tied to transfers and capital-related expenditures.
The plan also includes nearly $494,134 in transfers to reserves, demonstrating a continued emphasis on financial sustainability and future infrastructure needs.
Among the major capital projects planned for 2026 are improvements to the Miami lagoon, streets and sidewalks, utility infrastructure upgrades and work at the waste disposal ground. The municipality’s total 2026 capital budget is listed at approximately $1.88 million.
Several large reserve withdrawals are planned to support projects, including $340,000 from the Gas Tax Agreement Replacement reserve and $225,000 from the Waste Disposal Ground reserve.
Looking ahead, the municipality’s five-year capital plan outlines several major future projects, including:
• a proposed $2-million lagoon expansion; a proposed $2-million fire hall;
• a $400,000 grader replacement;
• bridge maintenance projects totaling more than $358,000; and ongoing drainage and licensing work estimated at $100,000 over five years.
The Local Urban District of Miami is also planning increased spending in several areas. Its 2026 budget includes $50,000 for capital expenditures and a local mill rate of 7.430.
Meanwhile, the municipality’s utility budgets remain balanced. The Miami Utility is budgeting revenues and expenditures of $209,290, including a $48,000 transfer to capital projects. The Rural Utility budget totals $181,800, including capital transfers for booster station generator work and water system upgrades.
Provincial and federal grants continue to play a significant role in the municipality’s finances. The financial plan includes more than $760,000 in conditional grants and transfers, including Gas Tax funding, Green Team support, weed control funding and grants related to bridge and waste disposal ground projects.
Financial plan highlights
• Total 2026 municipal budget: $5,203,418.85
• School requisitions increasing to $2.6 million
• Transportation budget: $1.287 million
• Recreation and cultural budget: $2.069 million
• Transfers to reserves: $494,133.86
• 2026 capital budget: approximately $1.88 million
• Major future projects include a lagoon expansion and new fire hall, both estimated at $2 million each
• More than $760,000 in grants and conditional funding anticipated
• LUD of Miami mill rate set at 7.430
