Teulon residents will see a municipal tax increase of 3.4 per cent in 2026.
The 2026 mill rate will be 15.01, compared to 15.15 in 2025. Prior to that, the mill rate was 16.94 in 2024 and 16.325 in 2023.
The majority of the $4-million budget will go toward fiscal services ($1.8 million or 44%), followed by general government services ($586,000 or 14%), recreation and cultural services ($497,000 or 12%) and protective services ($473,000 or 12%).
Budgeted operating expenses also include transportation services ($317,000 or 8%), environmental health services ($172,000 or 4.3%), transfers ($144,000 or 4%), economic development services ($45,000 or 1%), environmental development services ($24,000 or 0.6%) and public health and welfare ($4,000 or 0.1%).
For debentures, $44,265.83 was paid in 2025 toward the debt for the Teulon-Rockwood Fire Hall. The loan will end in 2039, and the closing balance at the end of 2026 will be $471,066.41.
Highlights of the 2026 budget include purchasing a fire department pumper ($1.2 million); paving Third Street SE; roadway reclamation, shaping and double chip-seal application on Main Street South (combined budgeted cost of $260,000); upgrading the hall washrooms ($80,000); improving the park and campground ($13,600); and constructing a new sidewalk on Fifth Avenue SE.
In 2025, the town saved nearly $100,000 in salary and benefit expenses following the reduction of three staff positions.
Looking ahead, the town aims to limit its use of accumulated surplus funds to subsidize and stabilize municipal taxes. During the past six years, the town has used more than $490,000 from its accumulated surplus. Contributions to the general reserve fund will increase to $70,000 from $30,000 in 2026.
Anticipated challenges include global inflation, rising equipment costs and expenses related to the upcoming municipal election.
Tax statements are expected to be mailed in June or July, and taxes are due Aug. 31.
