Budget deliberations are next week, but so far, Leamington's draft budget for 2026 includes a 2.5 per cent jump in the property tax rate.
For the average urban home valued at $190,000, the increase amounts to $5.59 more per month. Annually, that totals $67.13.
The total tax levy on the municipality is set at $41.8-million, including both the general and sewer levies.
Leamington faces numerous challenges in the new year: rapid growth, inflation, and contractual obligations top the list. The Ontario Provincial Police contract, for example, is expected to increase by 11 per cent in 2026, adding another $634,000 for a total cost of $6.3-million. Municipal insurance rates are also set to rise by five per cent.
Other costs coming up include the 2026 municipal election, which is expected to cost $215,000.
The 2026 spending plan includes $135-million in total expenditures, including $56-million for operating costs, $2.1-million to service debt, and $9.7-million for reserves.
The capital budget will jump $14-million, rising from $55-million this year to $79-million in 2026. Major projects include the North East Trunk Sewer, the purchase of a new fire aerial truck, waterfront parking lot construction, and new traffic signals at Armstrong Drive and Talbot Street.
Streetscaping on Erie Street South wasn't included in the budget because of construction on the North East Trunk Sewer.
One of the few services that is reduced in the budget is the Leamington to Windsor transit service, which will discontinue on May 1, 2026.
Budget deliberations are set for December 10, 11, and 12.
