EMBRUN – During their regularly scheduled meeting on March 9, 2026, Council dealt with several different matters. One that should be of particular interest was the Strategic Allocation of County Growth Revenue.

Council has decided to direct the majority of a regional growth revenue payment toward the expansion of the municipality’s wastewater treatment system, citing concerns about future rate increases for residents.

The Township received $544,588 from the United Counties of Prescott and Russell as part of a regional growth revenue redistribution program.

Council first approved allocating $46,296.43 to the township’s Community Improvement Plan reserve fund, which supports revitalization projects and economic development initiatives within the Township of Russell.

That left $498,291.57 to be distributed elsewhere in the municipal budget.

During the discussion, council acknowledged concerns raised by municipal administration about the long-term funding required for the planned wastewater treatment plant expansion. Staff noted that relying entirely on user fees to pay for the project could lead to significant increases for wastewater customers in the coming years.

Rather than follow the administration’s recommendation to place half of the remaining funds into the wastewater reserve, Council opted to dedicate a larger share of the money to the project.

In the end, Council approved allocating 80 per cent of the remaining funds, roughly $398,600, to the wastewater treatment plant expansion reserve. The remaining 20 per cent will be directed to the township’s general capital program.

Council members said the move is intended to help manage future costs for residents while ensuring key infrastructure keeps pace with anticipated population growth.

The next regular meeting of Russell Township council is scheduled for March 23 at 6 p.m.