Melfort Council approves budget with 3.36 per cent tax hike

The financial plan also revealed that there will be an allocation of $4.1 million to reserves that the city said will “support future capital projects and help Melfort thrive as the Northeast’s economic and recreational hub. This strategic approach reinforces the city’s vision of building a forward-looking, resilient community with exceptional quality of life.”

The 2026 Capital Budget proposes an investment of over $5.15 million to support improvements to roads, utilities, facilities, and other “core municipal assets.” Over $3.8 million will be from reserves, with another $1.25 million from grants.

“We have a really big focus on renewal [of infrastructure] next year,” Homes said. “Renewal of our roads, our underground utilities, and importantly things like our Northern Lights Palace.”

The city will be replacing the boiler system at the Palace, as well as upgrading chemical storage at the facility.

Homes said council and administration worked to ensure that the property tax increase wasn’t too onerous.

“I think that’s finding the right balance of trying to keep the tax increase as low as possible without changing the great services we have here.”

He added Melfort residents are fortunate to have an indoor pool for a community of its size, and snow removal on a more frequent basis than cities like Saskatoon or Regina.

The city is also focused on the future, Homes said. They are doing some planning for new lots along Frost Drive next to Spruce Haven, with the planning and design process starting in 2026. They hope to get a grant to develop some multi-family lots near Maude Burke School on Melfort Street.

Homes said the budget is focusing on aging infrastructure while keeping tax increases as low as possible.

Also at Monday night’s council meeting:

–Council approved the 2026-29 Strategic Plan. One goal is to modernize infrastructure and improve public safety, through items like replacing the treated water reservoir, rehabbing several water and sewer mains and one lift station annually.

Improvements to green spaces and community well-being are also on the list in the Strategic Plan, which includes rehabbing Burke Playground and Spray Park and the Northern Lights Palace, and activating the Historic Post Office.

The document also focuses on sustainable growth and economic development, with potential projects including the aforementioned development of lots along Frost Drive and Melfort Street.

Governance, technology, and public engagement are other areas of focus in the plan. An asset management policy and program review and traffic bylaw review are mentioned in this portion of the plan.

Council also heard from delegate Trevor Norum from HUB Melfort, outlining what they do to try to address safety and wellness in the community, and their goal of prevention and support for individuals with elevated risks. Stakeholders including the RCMP and Social Services are involved in the program. Norum explained what HUB was about and wanted to inform the city about their program and their goals.

Trevor Norum addressed council on behalf of HUB Melfort. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Melfort Council approves budget with 3.36 per cent tax hike

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