Brant opens public consultation as long-term financial plan reviewed

The County's primary revenue sources include property taxes, user fees, and grants from provincial and federal governments. For each dollar received: 58 cents comes from property taxes, 34 cents comes from user fees and other sources and 8 cents comes from grants

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Residents invited to complete the 2026 Budget Survey before the Nov. 24 deadline

The County of Brant is asking residents to help shape next year’s budget as staff and Council begin their annual review of the municipality’s Long-Term Financial Plan, a document that guides how tax dollars are managed, invested, and allocated across services and infrastructure.

“The Long-Term Financial Plan is an important roadmap that helps ensure we continue to deliver high-quality services while investing in our future,” said Mayor David Bailey. “By keeping the plan current and involving residents in the process, we can make decisions that benefit and reflect our entire County.”

The long-term plan is reviewed every year to reflect updated financial conditions, including growth projections, inflation forecasts, and feedback gathered from the community. The review also allows Council to revisit timelines, confirm priorities, and consider new initiatives for the upcoming budget cycle.

According to background materials previously presented to Council, the financial plan includes a 10-year forecast of expected revenues and expenses as well as the policies that guide fiscal decision-making. Consultants from Watson & Associates, who prepared the 2026 forecast, noted earlier this year that preliminary modeling projected a 13.6 per cent tax increase before any mitigation strategies were applied. 

Those projections represent “a raw set of data based on the expenditures and revenues in a particular year,” consultant Byron Tan told councillors, adding that the County can reduce the impact on taxpayers by using reserve funds, adjusting project timelines, or taking on debt to spread costs over time. 

In March, the County approved its 2025 budget, which included a 5.3 per cent property tax increase plus a 1 per cent local surcharge to support the new hospital project.

The 2026 process is now underway. A public engagement page has been launched at EngageBrant.ca/2026Budget, where residents can learn about the budget process and share their perspectives. Feedback can be provided in several ways, including:

Completing the 2026 Budget Survey online

Filling out a printed survey at Customer Service offices in Burford (126 Park Ave.) or Paris (66 Grand River St. N.)

Completing the survey over the phone by calling 519-44BRANT

Submitting comments or questions directly through the Engage Brant platform

The survey closes Monday, Nov. 24 at 4:30 p.m., after which a summary of community feedback will be published.

“We encourage residents to get involved and learn more about the budget process,” said Heather Boyd, General Manager of Corporate Services. “Your input helps guide how we invest in services and infrastructure that matter most to our community, and plays a part in supporting our future needs.”

A special Council meeting will be held Dec. 4 at 9 a.m. to present the annual review of the Long-Term Financial Plan and share a summary of public input. The meeting will take place in Council Chambers at 7 Broadway St. W. in Paris and will be streamed live on the County’s YouTube channel.

Residents can stay informed by subscribing for updates at EngageBrant.ca/2026Budget or by visiting brant.ca/Budget for more details on municipal finances and the budget process.