The Rural Municipality of Fisher has approved its 2025 financial plan with a municipal budget of just over $3.2 million, prioritizing road reconstruction, equipment maintenance, and long-term capital planning, while keeping a balanced bottom line.
Council adopted the budget by resolution earlier this year, projecting total municipal expenditures of $3,236,383, up from $2.66 million in actual spending last year. The plan includes an allocation of $314,882 to reserves, a notable increase from the $222,261 set aside in 2024.
Reeve Shannon Pyziak said council worked to create a budget that includes reasonable increases for ratepayers while addressing the rising costs of municipal services.
“We are one of the lowest tax bases in the region. We would like to keep it that way, but we also want to support growth in our municipality—encouraging people to live here, work here and play here. In order to do so, we also need to provide goo
Transportation services remain the largest expense, with a total budget of $1.37 million dedicated to roads, gravel, drainage, snow removal, and hamlet infrastructure. Road construction and maintenance alone account for more than $640,000.
Among the municipality’s top priorities this year is the gravel program, with $370,000 budgeted. Pyziak noted the RM is responsible for more than 800 miles of roads, many of which require regular repairs and maintenance to remain safe year-round.
“The continually rising costs of products, repairs, equipment and services—especially in the last five years—has been a challenge for the RM,” she added, noting the municipality has managed the increased costs without incurring a deficit.
Capital spending this year totals $277,200, covering infrastructure projects, computer upgrades, and facility improvements. Highlights include $141,000 for municipal infrastructure, $60,000 for a new public works shop, and $18,000 toward fire department breathing apparatus.
The RM will also draw $175,000 from reserves to support the overall financial plan.
On the revenue side, the RM anticipates $1.12 million in transfers and other income, including $251,000 in basket funding and over $180,000 in road and infrastructure grants. The tax levy will generate the remaining required municipal revenue, reduced general municipal mill rate, from 17.026 to 15.530, due to a provincial assessment increase.
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LUD of Fisher Branch
The Local Urban District of Fisher Branch has adopted its own 2025 budget of $162,300, with a projected tax levy of $157,100. That figure is based on a taxable assessment of $14.34 million and reflects a mill rate increase from 9.986 to 10.955.
Spending priorities include transportation services, recreational programming, and beautification efforts. The LUD also plans to transfer $5,000 to reserves and has budgeted $2,500 for community grants and scholarships.
Utilities and Debt
The Fisher Branch utility is forecasting revenues and expenditures of $315,110, with a $50,000 transfer to utility reserves. No new borrowing or debenture debt charges are budgeted in 2025 for either the general or utility funds.
The RM’s five-year capital plan outlines nearly $2 million in future infrastructure needs, including graders, water tankers, and facility expansions. All projects are planned to be funded through reserves, grants, or municipal operating funds.
The municipality reported no deficit carryovers and continues to maintain a balanced budget approach in both its general and utility operations.
Additional highlights:
$141,000 – municipal infrastructure upgrades
$60,000 – public works shop
$18,000 – fire department breathing apparatus
$35,000 – tank removal at municipal yard
$12,000 – well building improvements
Future capital priorities (2026–2030):
Two graders – $400,000 each (2026 and 2028)
Public works garage and office – $60,000 (2026)
Backhoe (used) – $100,000 (2028)
Land for sewer – $297,000 (2026)
Office extension, trailers, trucks and water tanker – among other listed items totalling $1.9 million over five years
Reserve funding: The RM plans to draw from reserves and continue contributions toward capital needs without relying on new debt in 2025.
