Brandon Approves 6.9% Property Tax Increase, Avoids Double-Digit Hike
City Council Plans for Future Budget Challenges Amid Rising Costs
Property owners in Brandon, Manitoba, will see a 6.9% increase in property taxes this year after city council approved a budget designed to prevent a more drastic hike of 11.7%.
While the tax increase is notable, it falls short of the double-digit hike some had feared. However, city officials warn that larger increases may be on the horizon, with preliminary projections indicating a potential 16.9% increase for 2026.
Strategic Budgeting to Minimize Impact on Taxpayers
Councillor Shawn Luebke, a key proponent of the budget plan, emphasized that spreading out major expenditures over several years was essential to keeping taxes manageable.
“My purpose wasn’t so much about reducing the expenses, but kind of moving them out,” Luebke explained. “One thing I wanted to do was make sure that the council of that era was not going to be saddled with the same kind of year.”
Mayor Fawcett: Budget Balances Needs with Affordability
Mayor Jeff Fawcett acknowledged that while the council had to approve a higher-than-usual tax increase, he was pleased they managed to avoid a double-digit jump.
Looking ahead, Fawcett warned that fiscal pressures could push next year’s tax increase to nearly 17%. The city is already exploring strategies to reduce that figure and ease the burden on residents.
The End of Low Taxes in Brandon?
For years, Brandon has benefited from relatively low property tax rates, but rising costs, inflation, and infrastructure demands have changed the city’s financial landscape.
With ongoing budgetary pressures, Brandon homeowners may need to prepare for continued tax increases in the coming years. City officials have indicated that long-term financial planning will be essential to managing future tax rates while maintaining essential services.
What’s Next for Brandon Residents?
As city council looks toward the 2026 budget, discussions will likely focus on how to balance tax increases with essential spending. The council’s goal is to keep taxes manageable without jeopardizing critical infrastructure projects and city services.
Residents can expect further debates over spending priorities in the coming months as officials work to soften the impact of future tax hikes.
Source : Swifteradio.com
