Greater Napanee Council voted to reduce the special tax levy for solid waste collection from $200 to $150 in recognition that, due to changes in provincial legislation, the Town is no longer responsible for recycling in the community.
The reduction will become part of the 2026 Municipal Budget, which was presented to and discussed by Council on January 7 and 8.
Under the draft budget, the 2026 tax levy increase is proposed at $17,328,073, which is an increase of $1,122,661 over last year. The proposed levy includes an OPP costing increase of $475,000.
In the proposed budget, the tax rate increase is estimated to be 5.8%. Of the 5.8% increase, 2.6% is a result of rising costs of outside agencies such as the OPP and Conservation Authorities, while only 3.4% supports Town specific needs.
For the average residential home that is assessed at $219,000 as per MPAC, this equates to an increase of approximately $88.65. With consideration for the reduction in the waste collection surcharge, the net impact on the average residential home for the Town’s portion of the tax bill is approximately $38.
Council can propose amendments to the budget presented until the end of the month which will be voted on at a special meeting on February 3, 2026.
Materials that were presented during this week’s budget meetings are available on the Town’s website. Residents wishing to issue comments or ask questions about the proposed 2026 budget can do so by visiting the Q&A section under the 2026 Budget page on Let’s Talk Greater Napanee.
