At their November 25 Council meeting, Huntsville councillors unanimously approved two-year consolidated budgets for 2025 and 2026 with tax rate increases of 4.84% and 4.87%, respectively.
Those rates incorporate assessment growth of about 2.59% for 2025 and an estimated 2.11% for 2026. On the tax bill, once the estimated District and education rate is incorporated, ratepayers will see an increase of about $107 per $300,000 of assessment for 2025 and an estimated increase of another $111 in 2026, also per $300,000 of assessment. See the figures below.
Immediately following the passing of the budget the Town released the following prepared statement:
At tonight’s Town Council meeting, Mayor & Council adopted the 2025-2026 Budget as “A Roadway for Huntsville’s Today and Tomorrow.” The Town Budget includes the operational and capital expenses for the Town for the next two years and represents the year-long achievements of the Budget Working Group. Council put a priority on further investment in Roads, according to the clear community value identified in the results of the Budget Survey.
“With the 2025-2026 Budget, we are taking care of Huntsville’s today and tomorrow, while respecting taxpayer dollars. As Mayor and Council, it’s our responsibility to ensure that Huntsville’s needs are met, both for the present and the future. We are making important investments in our municipal infrastructure – the roads, sidewalks, and bridges you use every day. We are protecting our Town’s future through fiscal responsibility and balanced growth,” says Mayor Nancy Alcock.
The revised Budget passed by Council tonight included recommended changes from the General Committee meetings on November 11-12, where General Committee identified a number of areas where they felt that spending could be reduced, in order to put more money towards the Roads Capital Program (Roads Capital Reserve), while still maintaining the levy increase within the guidelines set by Council. The amount of the net levy that General Committee recommended for redirection to the Roads Capital Reserve, in addition to the amount originally proposed in the draft budget, was $230,000 in 2025 and $270,000 in 2026. For more information on the outcome of the November 11-12 budget meetings, please see the Post-Meeting Highlights on Huntsville.ca.
The Town conducted a 2025-2026 Budget Survey to gather input from the community on their opinions and priorities related to the municipal budget. The survey was open from September 3-30, 2024, and the results helped inform the budget process. Overall, respondents felt the value and quality of Town services were good, and the top service identified for improvement was roads. For more detailed information on the Budget Survey, please see the FAQ Sheet.
Proposed Municipal Tax Rate Increase and Impact to Taxpayer
The municipal tax rate increase outlined in the 2025-2026 Consolidated Budget is 4.84% for 2025 and 4.87% for 2026. This tax rate increase is less than the maximum increase of 4.99% set by Council in their budget guidelines. This translates to an estimated additional $107 in 2025 for the average household in Huntsville for Town, District and Education taxes (for a property assessed at $300,000).
“The budget for Huntsville results in competitive property tax rates within Muskoka as well as across Canada. There are many challenges that come along with preparing a budget in a time of cost increases, pressures on our services due to growth and new priorities. This budget continues to address investment in core infrastructure, helps provides a more stable tax rate for two years, and includes many projects relating to healthcare and affordable housing through the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT),” says Julia McKenzie, Director of Financial Services and Treasurer for the Town of Huntsville.
Highlights of the 2025-2026 Budget
The 2025-2026 Budget provides ‘A Roadway for Huntsville’s Today and Tomorrow’ by meeting the Town’s current needs, with funding for necessities like roads and fire services, as well as protecting the Town’s future through fiscal responsibility, balanced growth, and conservation of natural features, all while continuing to follow the Town’s Strategic Plan.
Town Council and staff will continue to be innovative leaders on important initiatives that have a great impact on the lives of Huntsville residents (and that were identified as community priorities in the Budget Survey), such as supporting improved access to local healthcare services and working with our partners to strive to meet our local housing needs. Utilizing the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) allows the Town to address these key priorities while not having a direct impact on property tax rates.
“It is an absolute pleasure to serve this great community as our team supports Council through the Strategic Plan, moving forward on the priorities that are of highest importance to Huntsville residents. We will strive to continue to provide the services that our residents rely on and value while keeping our fiscal house in order,” says Denise Corry, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Huntsville.
Frequently Asked Questions & More Information on the Draft Budget
For a Questions & Answers Sheet with more detailed information about the 2025-2026 Budget, the budget process, and the impacting factors, please visit huntsville.ca.
Mayor Nancy Alcock (right) and CAO Denise Corry after Council passed the 2025-2026 Budget as “A Roadway for Huntsville’s Today and Tomorrow,” making additional investment in Roads as a community priority (Photo Town of Huntsville).
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