| Following the August 28 Board meeting and the launch of the 45-day review period for the draft 2026 Budget, the FRSC met with Rothesay, Hampton, Quispamsis, Fundy-St. Martins, and Grand Bay-Westfield, as well as the regional group of CAOs and the Rural District Manager. The proposed budget includes a reduction of approximately $78,800 in total membership contributions, while maintaining strong external funding of approximately $4.15 million, an increase of $1.4 million from 2025. 
 The overall feedback to the draft budget has been positive; however, the main area of concern with the draft budget continues to be the regional facilities capital costs. Members express concern about the sustainability of current cost allocations, the inability of all members except Saint John to borrow for these costs, and the uncertainty surrounding future provincial funding.   
 Regional Facilities Capital Through continued advocacy by the FRSC Board and intervention from the Minister of Local Governance, the FRSC is now under consideration for up to $715,000 in potential savings related to regional facilities capital, marking the first time the Government of New Brunswick has considered pre-approval of these costs ahead of a fiscal year. 
 The FRSC will pursue early RDC funding approvals to reduce future costs and pressures, and has requested the Minister’s clarification on his intent to review the regional facilities capital framework in the coming weeks, with the Province expressing their commitment to work with the FRSC.  
 Correspondence with the Minister on page 89 of this month's agenda kit. Full report on page 33 of this month's agenda kit. 
 Service-Based Budget Updates The service-based budget, a new feature of the FRSC budget development process, has been well received during the review period, as it helps illustrate the impact and direction of each FRSC mandate. These service-based budget summaries have been updated to include: 
Expanded coverage of Tourism Promotion, Economic Development, and Community Planning & Building Inspection.Inclusion of total budget costs alongside net membership fees.A summary of each service’s progress and outcomes. These updates are included on page 37 of this meeting agenda kit. 
 Later this month, the FRSC Board will meet to vote on the 2026 Budget, with decisions informed by member feedback, ongoing discussions with the Province, and a commitment to financial sustainability for the region. 
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