The R.M. of Ste. Anne has approved a budget that is a little bigger than last year’s financial plan. 

CAO Mike McLennan says council took a conservative approach to the financial plan, wanting to minimize the impact on taxpayers. 

“Given the economic conditions we’re all living in, with increases in everything from groceries to fuel, the R.M. took a more conservative approach to our budget this year to ensure that we didn’t have a substantial tax increase.” 

McLennan notes, “Our Rural mill rate saw a slight increase of .212 mills, while both our At Large and LUD mill rates saw slight decreases (decrease of .015 and .027 respectively).” 

Council approved a budget of just over $6.572 million, up slightly from last year which had a budget of $6.414 million. 

“Some of this year’s projects include the completion of a paving project on the service road off Highway #1 in Richer that was delayed from 2022, some additional road and drainage work throughout the municipality, the addition of a new playground in Thurston Park, work on the ice rink in Giroux, and the acquisition of new Public Works equipment to assist with projects around the municipality.” 

The 2023 financial plan includes$75,000 for the Town of Ste. Anne ice plant and $50,000 for the Town of Ste. Anne Recreation Grant while $25,000 will go toward the Richer Community Club Operating/Capital Expense Grant. Bursaries will total $1,500 while the Library Fee Refunds are at $2,000. Council also approved $2,000 for the Learn to Swim program.