After about a month-long delay, the RM of Woodlands has passed their 2016 budget. While they were prepared to move forward with the budget in May, the municipal board had denied their borrowing by-law to cover the municipality's share of the $1.8 million lagoon project, due to concerns over the taxation method. That resulted in Council and administration going back to the drawing board, and making some changes. Their new budget includes a majority of the cost being covered by the federal gas tax funding, and some use of the building replacement reserve. Due to the changes, the municipality was forced to hold two more public hearings, before giving the budget final reading.

In the end the budget was delayed by about a month, and Reeve Trevor King says they're happy to have the budget finally pass. He notes there was some initial concern the late budget would result in some delays for construction project, but feels that was avoided at last week's passing of the budget. Overall King's happy with the document, noting they can accomplish several capital projects, without creating a major tax hike.

"We felt it was a very good budget, and a very aggressive budget. It passed unanimously at the meeting to move forward."

He notes the passing of the budget means they're also able to finally move forward with the lagoon project. The project's much-needed in the area, as ongoing growth in Woodlands resulted in the lagoon becoming at-capacity, putting a halt on dumping and future development. King notes the project's now in the Manitoba Water Service Board's hands.

"We sent it to the water services board now. The tendering deadline is the first week of July or something. Once the tenders are closed the board will choose someone, and we'll have a contractor starting on it right away."

While the public hearing saw some residents voice concerns over the use of the building replacement reserve to cover some of the project, King notes they'll be using future gas tax funding to replace those funds.