Bruce County Council has received an overview of its proposed 2026–2030 operating and capital budgets, setting the stage for discussions on financial priorities, service levels, and long-term planning.
The 2026 budget aims to strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and the goals outlined in the County’s strategic plan, maintaining current service levels while funding targeted enhancements across various departments.
According to the staff report, the proposed 2026 budget represents a 5.97 per cent increase to the tax levy, after accounting for 1.25 per cent growth in assessment.
Bruce County Warden Luke Charbonneau expects council to be able to bring that increase down, but noted capital expenditures have increased as part of their asset management plan, which identified chronic underfunding of assets.
"And now we know better what that looks like, and we have to fund it," he added. "Which means, probably for an extended period of time, there's going to be property tax increases that are above the rate of inflation, just to just to catch up to the underinvestment."
The increase is divided between 3.61 per cent to maintain existing services and 2.36 per cent to support new initiatives.
As it stands now, the average household assessed at $240,000 would see an annual increase of about $72 in its property taxes.
A report to council stated a key focus of the 2026 financial plan is the balanced use of reserves, aimed at reducing fluctuations in tax impacts from year to year. In 2026, all County capital spending will be funded through reserves to help smooth out the financial impact of project timing.
The proposed budget also projects a $2.5 million increase to County reserve balances, reinforcing long-term financial stability.
The report notes that operating and capital projections are included through 2030, providing Council with a longer-term view of funding needs and pressures.
