Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – Director of Finance and Treasurer Ralph D’Alessandro, speaking on behalf of Mayor Brian Ropp, presented council with the revised draft 2026 municipal budget during the last council meeting on February 18, outlining proposed spending plans, revenue projections and adjustments made following public feedback.
The draft budget had been introduced in late January under Ontario’s Strong Mayor legislative framework, with council and residents invited to provide written comments before final review.
Submissions received during the consultation period led to several adjustments, including changes to staffing plans and operational spending. A proposed recreation lead hand position was removed from the operating budget, while a similar public works role remained after staff indicated it could support operational efficiency. Funding for a part-time custodian position was also retained to ensure compliance with legislation requiring daily cleaning of public washrooms.
Capital projects were another focus of the review. Funding for tandem plow equipment remained in the budget as part of a previously approved multi-year purchase. A land leveler replacement project was also maintained, with part of the cost expected to be offset by selling older equipment. Plans to repurpose a tandem flatbed truck for municipal operations were kept due to expected efficiencies in road maintenance work.
Council also revised the budget for a half-ton pickup truck, reducing the proposed cost from $80,000 to $50,000 and directing staff to consider purchasing an off-lease used vehicle. Meanwhile, a proposed paved pathway project at the Parkhill Sports Complex was removed pending development of a broader accessibility strategy for municipal parks and potential external funding opportunities.
Requests to add funding for window replacement at Ye Olde Towne Hall and Christmas lights in Ailsa Craig were not included in the revised draft. Staff indicated the window replacement would be treated as a capital improvement project and that earlier cost estimates were insufficient, while the lighting proposal remains under review with possible alternative funding sources being explored.
Overall, the revisions reduced operating expenditures by approximately $10,000 and capital spending by about $55,000, largely offset by reduced reliance on municipal reserves.
Financial highlights presented to council indicated the total municipal tax levy for 2026 is projected to increase by approximately $557,640, or about 5.94 per cent. Due to growth in property assessment, the residential tax rate increase is estimated at roughly 4.52 per cent, representing about $39.40 per $100,000 of assessed residential property value. A tax rate bylaw is expected at a future meeting to formally establish the levy.
