Mayor Amy Martin has officially tabled Norfolk County’s draft 2026 Levy Operating Budget, marking the start of the municipality’s annual budget review process. The move fulfills the mayor’s legislated responsibilities under Ontario’s Municipal Act and sets the framework for Council’s upcoming deliberations.
The proposed budget aims to balance fiscal responsibility with continued investment in essential services and long-term community priorities. According to the County, the draft reflects an ongoing commitment to financial sustainability, with the base operating budget increase coming in below the current rate of inflation.
Consistent with direction previously outlined by Mayor Martin, the draft budget is a staff-proposed document developed collaboratively and without mayoral amendments. County officials say this approach is intended to ensure stability, predictability, and transparency in municipal finances while maintaining service levels for residents.
Council now has 30 days to review the draft and propose any amendments, as required under provincial legislation. Norfolk County Council will meet as Budget Committee on January 21 and 22, 2026, if necessary, to review the proposal in detail. A special Council meeting will follow to formally adopt the budget.
Budget Highlights
The draft 2026 Levy Operating Budget proposes a net levy requirement of $146.6 million, an increase of $10.1 million, representing a 7.4 per cent net levy increase. For the average residential property, this equates to a 5.5 per cent property tax increase, bringing the estimated annual tax bill for a median home to $4,084 — an increase of $212.71 per year, or approximately $4.09 per week.
In addition to base operating costs, the budget includes a mandatory 0.9 per cent increase for OPP services, as well as 2.5 per cent for infrastructure funding. That infrastructure component covers debt servicing and contributions to reserves, which County officials say are necessary to maintain roads, facilities, and other critical assets over the long term.
The draft budget also outlines several proposed initiatives aimed at strengthening County operations and improving service delivery, aligned with Council-approved priorities. Further discussion and potential adjustments are expected as part of the ongoing budget process.
Residents can view the full Draft 2026 Levy Operating Budget online at NorfolkCounty.ca/Budget.