Grand Bay-Westfield residents are looking at an increased tax rate in 2026.
At a special budget meeting this week, chief financial officer James Barrington said the rate in Ward 1 will rise 2.5 cents to $1.275 per $100. In Ward 2, the increase is about five cents, up to 79 cents.
The rates are different in the two wards because of what services the town provides in each ward.
The town is also anticipating cost increases, mostly due to inflation.
“What we mean by that is the cost of providing the same level of service in 2026 as we do in 2025 has gone up 3.8 per cent or just over $300,000,” Barrington said. “There are no increased service level items within this budget. We have the status quo.”
Barrington said it’s been a tough few years.
“Inflation was high, the cost of everything is going up,” he said. “So it’s important that we consider that when we pull together a budget.”
The town has lined up some capital projects for next year, including $50,000 to refurbish a lift station, and $100,000 to replace a curtain at the sewage lagoon.
Barrington said the town conducted a budget survey that received more than 300 responses, and there were some clear indications about priorities from residents.
He said road safety, recreation, fire rescue services, parks and outdoor spaces, and roads and sidewalks were clearly where most people wanted to see investment.
The final budget is expected to go to council for approval on Nov. 10.
