Residents of Muenster gathered in the school gymnasium, much as they had done two years earlier in the community hall, to take stock of the completed and planned works undertaken, based on the original community planning project. The evening gathering held on September 9 began by focusing on infrastructure projects currently “on the radar.” Among them were water drainage from West of Main, Scott and Phillips Bays, decommissioning the last few old hydrants, raising manholes necessary for the street chip and seal project, and an analysis of lift station pumps and potential replacement costs.
Administrative officer Jan Sylvester took ratepayers through SAMA assessment notices and the processes whereby land value is determined. The Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency Is the is the independent assessment agency responsible for valuing both land and buildings according to its guidelines.
When it came to annual taxes, Sylvester also explained that approximately 1/3 of the tax value is earmarked for education for four children in the Horizon School Division. She also noted that a levy on 2026 taxes is also coming into effect for Saint Mary's Villa, which is in much need of replacement and serves a wide area around Humboldt
She also noted that with only six or seven residential lots available for purchase, that triggers a mandated plan to proceed with the next stage of development. Muenster has been an attractive choice for housing development because of its relatively low residential lot costs compared to neighboring Humboldt. With extensive infrastructure needs and rising costs, she says that competitive advantage may not always be the case.
Councillor Shane Haeusler took the crowd through budgeting and expenditures noting that one area needing attention is expanded green space, a mandated feature under the municipalities act.
Some of the bigger ticket items up for purchase are approximately $75,000 for a new backhoe, $50,000 to replace aging water meters, and servicing the loan 4 the road's chip sealing process, add a cost of $150,000 payable over five years.
Councillor Kim fetter took those gathered through community and regional Fire Protection, and a newly established emergency measures organization Emergency Measure Organization to coordinate regional in case of disaster.
Counselor Karl Senko wrapped up the presentation portion of the evening taking the audience through a checklist of the 2023 priorities identified by villagers and the progress achieved. They included considerable work on the Range Line Rd., College Ave. and Main Street with preparation and resurface chip and seal we're just getting the final touches as of Tuesday night, a new web page that’s up and running, a refresh traffic bylaw, test drilling to sample water line conditions, and water meter replacements.
For the next stage of planning and development Council had attendees breakdown into groups focus on specific areas concentrating on both positives and negatives, that they would like to have looked at in the upcoming years.