County hears concerns, eyes 4.7% property tax hike in 2026 budget planning
- Casandra Turnbull
- Dec 9, 2025
- 3 min read
Casandra Turnbull
Managing Editor
County of Brant councillors heard hours of financial forecasting, public opinion and community concerns during a special meeting on Dec. 4, as staff presented the updated Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) that will guide the 2026 budget.
The 213-page report outlines spending pressures, infrastructure demands and resident priorities heading into next year, with councillors facing a proposed property tax increase of 4.7 per cent in 2026, significantly lower than early projections of 13.6%.
As the two hundred paid report is extensive, following the meeting Paris Coun. John Bell shared screenshots on social media showing how the increase is being built, noting a proposed 8 per cent rise in expenditures balanced by assessment growth tied to residential and industrial development. A comparison of levy impacts shows that while the 2026 levy may rise roughly 8 per cent overall, assessment growth reduces the direct impact on property taxes to 4.7 per cent.
“It reflects the impact of the growth in our community, our tax base is growing, but so are the demands of that growing population,” Bell said.
The meeting also included results from a budget engagement survey completed by 216 residents between Nov. 6 and Nov. 24. According to the summary, residents strongly support investment in emergency services, transit, affordable housing, asset management and infrastructure to support growth and congestion reduction. A new hospital for Brantford/Brant ranked as the top priority, with nearly 80 per cent of respondents wanting more support.
However, the feedback also reflected frustration with roads, traffic and development pacing. Many residents said infrastructure is not keeping up with growth in Paris and along Rest Acres Road, while others called for more investment in rural areas, seniors’ services and indoor recreation facilities such as a pool.
Rapid growth continues to shape public opinion. Nearly half of respondents support a “growth pays for growth” approach, while 61 per cent believe the County should invest more in rural and farming communities to offset urban pressures.
Survey results show residents are divided on tax tolerance. About 43 per cent favour a zero per cent tax increase even if services are reduced, while only 27 per cent would support increases above two per cent if tied to priority projects. At the same time, respondents strongly favour debt reduction and maintaining healthy reserves.
Those findings highlight what staff described as “conflicting expectations,” with many residents calling for major capital projects and expanded services while also requesting minimal tax increases and lower debt.
Residents are urged to review the full LTFP presentation and follow upcoming budget discussions through Engage Brant.
“There are some in our community that question the ability of County staff and Council to develop financially sound plans and budgets,” Bell said in a social media post. “Read the report and you will begin to understand the complexity of managing an organisation with an operating budget of over $117 million, a capital expenditure forecast over the coming 10 years of over $700 million, a rapidly growing population, a land area of 820 sq km comprising predominantly rural lands but with a number of urban centres, over 2,000 km of roads - I could go on!”
Under provincial legislation, Mayor David Bailey will present his proposed 2026 budget in January, with council having 30 days to debate potential amendments before adoption. The Dec. 4 report notes that the Long Term Financial Plan remains the best opportunity for residents to influence financial direction. Another LTFP meeting will take place on December 18th before the budget is officially revealed in the New Year.
Residents can view the full long term financial plan meeting online at:
Copies of the LTFP report, survey results and public engagement summary are available through Engage Brant.
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