Rockwood residents will notice a reduced mill rate for the 2025 property taxes.
The 2025 municipal rate is 7.852, down from 9.033 in 2024.
The budget anticipates slightly more than $14 million in expenses, with the majority going towards transportation services (35%), fiscal services (15%), general government services (14%) and transfers to reserves (14%). Funds will also be allotted for recreation and cultural services (7%), protective services (6%) and economic development services (2%). A small portion of the funds will go towards environmental development services ($66,000) and public health and welfare services ($4,241.32).
The seniors housing complex project is pegged at $3 million, with will be covered by borrowing against the aggregate reserve to loan to the Rockwood Community Development Corporation.
Another of the main expenditures will be $1.596 million for the continuation of Stony Mountain lift stations and force mains. A couple grants will offset costs, with the rest being charged back to developers.
The municipality will also undertake $505,000 in road improvements, while also spending $1.07 million for new equipment. An additional $500,000 will be added to the gravel budget as well.
The Stony Mountain Community Centre will see $113,000 in upgrades, which will be funded through the recreation reserve and grants, if available. This upgrade will only move forward if the municipality is successful in getting a provincial From the Ground Up grant.
In addition, the community safety officer program will be $50,000 plus operational costs.
The RM’s budget aims to align with its 2025-25 strategic plan with a focus on several major areas: economic growth and development, recreation, regional planning, quarry development, residential development, environmental sustainability and community enhancement.
