Bruce County council has received its first look at the county’s 2026 budget.
The staff report outlined that the projections included a look ahead for the years 2027-2030.
With the assumption for 1.25% growth, the increase would be around 5.97%.
“As prioritized in the strategic plan, the county has made efforts to explore alternate funding sources to reduce the reliance on property tax dollars to fund our services. In 2024, the county introduced development charges, which has started making a small contribution to the total annual budget,” said Deputy Treasurer Lynn Hatten.
That would be an impact of $72 for the average household that is assessed at $240,000.
The projected increase would be split with 3.61% earmarked for maintaining the current level of service, with 2.36% set to fund new initiatives.
Hatten also told council “We continue to explore grant opportunities as a way to bring in additional funds to support priority community initiatives, and revisit user fees annually, within the limitations outlined by legislation, where applicable.”
The proposed budget would also put aside $2.5 million to increase county reserve balances.
Several members of council shared that weren’t comfortable with the proposed levy increase, with the intent of having staff go back and continue to streamline the budget before finalization.