A status quo budget of $6.4 million is being proposed for the R.M. of Morris in 2021/22.

The levelled-off spending looks to support fire services and community centre districts, further priorities in the LUD of Rosenort and channel money into an infrastructure reserve that was established a number of years ago.

"As much as possible, we would like to self-finance (projects) if you can do it," said Reeve Ralph Groening. "In a perfect world, we would have the resources to pay for everything that our tax payers and communities need. It's not always possible, but we're going to move in that direction."

The move follows the creation of a 20-year asset management plan for the municipality that Groening believes will move the R.M. of Morris into the next generation of municipal asset management.

"It's a flexible plan, it can be adjusted, but it is our desire to think long term and provide support and guidance for future councils to make good decisions and have the resources to fund those decisions," he explained.

As for major capital projects on the agenda for the coming year, Groening pointed to the effort to increase water reservoir capacity in Rosenort. The Reeve says costs for the project have increased 35 per cent since the original estimate was compiled three years ago.

"It's very important...that we have adequate access to water for the community so that we are able to continue the expansion of both the residential and commercial activity in that community," said Groening.

In addition, the Municipality is dedicating $200,000 in 2021 towards the multi-year Riverside Road upgrade.

Meantime, Council has filled a newly created Urban Public Works Foreman position that will head up a team responsible for more effectively managing the Municipality's urban centres.

Overall, Groening says rate payers can expect a bump in their tax bills in the neighbourhood of 2 per cent in order to make up for some anticipated revenue shortfalls in the coming year.

Click here to view the full 2021 financial plan for the R.M. of Morris.