In the summer, the City solicited
your input to assist with the development of the 2026 operating budget. This input helped shape the following budgetary guidelines that were approved by Council:
- The budget be presented with overall residential property tax rate increases not to exceed 5%, excluding any tax rate increases generated from the 2024 Fire Master Plan phase-in approved by Council;
- The budget considers the service areas prioritized through public input received;
- That City Department operating issues presented in the budget align with the strategic themes and initiatives outlined in the City's Strategic Plan and Departmental Operating Plans, with priority given to those categorized as Legislative, Compliance, or Health & Safety and Maintenance of Service Levels, and where any Enhancement of Service Levels are proposed, that they align with public input received; and
- The budget incorporates a moderate increase in its tax-funded contributions to capital projects in alignment with the financial strategy outlined in the 2025 Asset Management Plan.
The
2026 Draft Operating Budget has now been posted, which includes key documents outlining the proposed
tax rate implications, changes from prior year’s budget (i.e.
operating Issues), the
departmental plan and other
details. We are seeking your input again prior to the budget’s adoption. For further information regarding the City’s operating budget, please visit
Belleville.ca/Budget.
