Council approves 2026 budget aimed at economic development and growth

Following a series of public budget deliberation meetings, the City’s 2026 Budget was approved by City Council during the December 8th, 2025 Regular Council Meeting.     

The budget, developed using the City’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, includes a general property tax increase of 3.296%. A number of other rates were approved by City Council Monday night, outlined below.  

Property mill rates and taxation methods will be discussed in 2026. The approved tax amounts do not include changes in property assessments. 

Director of Finance Margarita Pena commented during budget deliberations that the City is not immune to rising costs of inflation as an organization providing services to its residents. “This [property tax] increase not only ensures the City is maintaining service levels from previous years, but it enhances our operating initiatives in several areas including economic development, downtown safety, urban forestry, capital investments, governmental advocacy, and remediation of derelict properties.”  

Council also approved the addition of a $2 per month postage and administrative fee for City utility customers who wish to continue receiving a paper copy of their bills. The fee is intended to offset the added costs incurred by the City as it moves from quarterly to monthly utility billing for a large number of properties, increasing postage expenses per month. With e-billing free of charge, residents and property owners are encouraged to subscribe to this delivery method. Pena noted during Monday’s Council meeting that the City is aware not all residents have access to email or internet services and recommended that utility customers reach out to City Hall at 306-445-1700 to determine the optimal billing delivery method.  

 
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For more information:
Candace Toma, Public & Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator
306-441-0713 | publicrelations@cityofnb.ca