Altona town council has approved its 2026 financial plan, holding the municipal mill rate steady while introducing a modest tax increase to address rising costs.
The $12.6 million budget includes a 0.56 per cent increase to the municipal tax levy, bringing the total to just over $6.16 million. Officials say the plan reflects current economic pressures while aiming to limit the impact on residents.
“These are tough economic times with tariffs, high inflation, and interest rates,” Councillor Perry Batchelor said during the public hearing last week. “This 0.5 per cent increased budget is designed to lighten those burdens.”
A surplus from 2025 helped offset costs, allowing the town to maintain service levels and move ahead with major projects without increasing the mill rate, which remains at 18.20.
“Thanks to a surplus in 2025, administration and council are able to complete major projects in 2026 and continue at the same service level, all the while keeping the mill rate unchanged,” Batchelor said.
Property taxes account for 48.9 per cent of municipal revenue, with additional funding coming from reserve transfers and grants, all totalling $12.6 million for a balanced budget.
Operating costs, including salaries, utilities, and fuel, continue to rise.
“The Town bills go up with inflation, tariffs, and other market changes,” Batchelor noted.
The 2026 capital budget totals approximately $4.14 million. Key projects include renovations to the former library space at Golden West Plaza for Regional Connections, upgrades to the community pool, ongoing sewer relining, and raising and flood-proofing 9th Street Northwest.
“That is just over a million-dollar project, which we received just over $600,000 from the provincial government,” said Mayor Harv Schroeder of the 9th Street work.
Officials noted that prioritizing a major project limits what else can be completed in the same year.
“As soon as you pick a large project like that, you’re kind of committed,” said Dan Gagne, chief administrative officer.
The Town of Altona will not take on new debt in 2026, with long-term existing debt not beginning to come off the books until 2032.
“There’s no new borrowing for 2026, so that’s good news,” Batchelor said.
For homeowners, the municipal portion of property taxes remains largely unchanged. On a $250,000 home, the increase is limited to about $5 due to a new waste collection contract.
However, overall tax bills will rise due to school division taxes, which are outside municipal control. Border Land School Division taxes are expected to increase by about $113.51 on a typical home, bringing the total increase to roughly $118.
Commercial properties of similar value are expected to see an increase of about $216.74, also driven largely by school taxes.
Council pointed to continued residential and commercial growth as a factor helping stabilize the tax base.
“We’re having buildings, houses, and apartments continue to grow, especially in the northwest corner,” Schoeder said.
The town continues to offer development incentives, including a three-year municipal tax exemption in the industrial park and a two-year exemption for new multi-unit housing built on existing serviced streets.
“There’s definitely people kicking the tires for lots in the industrial park,” Schoeder observed.
While officials say the 2026 budget was manageable despite economic pressures, they cautioned that future tax decisions will depend on conditions and priorities in the years ahead.
