A reduced budget is being proposed for the Town of Carman in 2021/22.

As it stands, Council is looking at just over $5.8 million in expenditures for the coming year, down $962,581 from 2020.

The mill rate will rise .62 mills in 2021 thanks to a slight bump in assessment values combined with an at-large charge to cover the cost of the new solid waste management program. However, with Council's planned decrease in spending, ratepayers can expect a slight dip in their taxes for the year. As a result, taxes on an assessed property of $350,000 will drop $77.35 for a tax bill of $3,228.75.

Despite this, financial highlights for the coming year indicate the Town's Street Rehabilitation Project will remain a priority.

A mill and fill project will complete 1st St. NW from 4th AVE to Centre AVE W, and will essentially finish off work on 1st through 7th streets in the north end. The remainder of the project will see mill and fill work finished on three additional blocks that don't have infrastructure underneath.

In addition, 1st St. SW to 4th AVE SW will have its sewer lines inspected, cleaned and lined in preparation for the street to be totally reconstructed in 2022.

Council is also planning to have staff install more sidewalks in 2021, update the town mapping system and continue with installing new water meters in homes and businesses.

Meantime, plans are unfolding on how to decommission and remove the town's water treatment plant and water tower as the highly-anticipated water lagoon project is expected to draw to a close in 2021. Once complete, the Pembina Valley Water Co-op will become the sole provider of water to the Town of Carman and its residents and business owners.