The reeve of the RM of Victoria describes this year's financial plan as a difficult one. Harold Purkess notes they recently gave first reading to the document, and like many other municipalities, changes to the assessed value of properties has created challenges. He says while the value of farmland remains relatively stable, some of the higher-end properties in Holland and Cypress River saw major hikes. 

"We've tried to be as fair as we possibly could. We know the higher-end housing will probably feel it a bit. Hopefully everybody will understand we did try and rein in our street repair budget a bit to try and help off-set it a bit this year."

He says to avoid a major tax hike, they're holding the line on spending for 2016. However, Purkess notes one exception is work they'd fallen behind on last year, which meant an increase in at least one area.

"We've kept out requirements the same as last year. The only thing we upped a little bit was our gravel budget. We're getting behind in our road maintenance program. We ended up with some poor material last year, which didn't do us any favours either. We did increase our gravel budget a bit, but other than that, everything's staying the same."

He notes the only upcoming capital project is the Tiger Hills Health Centre Expansion. However, he says the municipal portion of that cost should be minimal, given the amount of fundraising and community support there's been for the project.