The RM of Woodlands is hoping to finally take some steps forward on their 2016 budget. Their budget saw delays after their borrowing by-law for the $1.8 million lagoon project was denied by the municipal board. The by-law indicated the $900,000 municipal portion of the cost would be covered with a local levy, that excluded the town of Warren and agricultural properties. The municipal board's decision sent Council and administration back to the drawing board. They've since decided to fund their portion of the project by taking some out of their building replacement reserve, and funding the remainder with federal gas tax funding.

However, the denied application means the municipality needs to hold two public hearings: One to use funding from the reserve, and the second to once again go through the updated financial plan. The project needs to go forward this year, as dumping and development in the town of Woodlands has been prohibited, as the lagoon's already at capacity. Deputy Reeve Ila Buchanan says she's hoping the public hearings set for Tuesday move forward without a hitch.

"I'm hoping they don't show any objection to that, because we're stifled. We can't do any development within the Town of Woodlands. We have residents who believe they shouldn't be paying into the lagoon expansion, but I have to ask them where they believe their waste goes."

While she's hoping the public's not opposed to the new plan, Buchanan does want residents to have their voices heard. She notes all too often their public hearings see an empty room, only leading to complaints later.

"We can't make those decisions without them showing up at public hearings. We don't know what they're thinking unless they're here to present it to us. I get very disappointed when we hold public hearings and people don't show up. Then, we make a decision that we believe is based on the most fair and true decisions we can make, and in hindsight everybody is breathing down your neck."

After Tuesday's public hearings Buchanan hopes they'll be able to finally pass their budget at their next Council meeting.