Essex proposing 4.92% tax rate increase in 2026 draft budget

Town of Essex sign in Essex, Ont., on Friday, April 5, 2024. (Rich Garton/CTV News Windsor)

Essex residents could see a 4.92 per cent increase in their tax rate for 2026.

The town has proposed a 2026 budget with revenues and expenses of $80.4 million, with over $21.5 million of that dedicated to capital initiatives.

Residents would pay an average of $2,208 in property tax on a home assessed at $192,000.

Of the total budget increase, approximately $16.8-million is set aside for salaries and wages, equal to a 1.86 per cent increase.

$3.4 million, or a 0.41 per cent increase, is allocated towards Ontario Provincial Police contract expenses.

Key projects include the residential intensification guidelines, Fire Station 3 Replacement in Harrow, and Maidstone Avenue/Talbot Street intersection improvements.

Mayor Sherry Bondy said the town has done a review of all positions held within the municipality.

“We are really lean in our municipality. We are the shortest staffed municipality in Essex County, and we also have two arenas and a swimming pool,” Bondy said.

She added the town has noticed a gap within its I.T. services.

“That is not where you want to have a gap because I.T. is so important to the safety and security of our municipality,” she said.

“The other position we’re looking at is a financial analyst, and that position would help look at our asset management plan, which is such an important plan for the municipality,” said Bondy.

The town continues to allocate funds towards the asset management program, with a current 1 per cent levy presented in the 2026 budget.

“One of the biggest road projects is the Talbot/Maidstone intersection. That’s a huge one where residents have been complaining about for years. We’re increasing it, making it bigger and adding a turning lane,” Bondy added.

A full budget walkthrough will take place at a special council meeting this afternoon at 4 p.m.

Deliberations will begin on Dec. 8 at 1 p.m., and continue Dec. 9 at 12 p.m. if necessary.