Barrhead’s town council has approved the final 2026 operating and capital budgets with a one per cent increase to the municipal portion of the property tax rate for residential and non-residential properties.
Earlier this month, council approved the 2026 Operating Expense Budget at $17,498,700 (excluding amortization expenses), which projects $17,515,050 in revenue for a surplus of $16,350.
Some changes were made to the pre-interim budget, such as adjustments to pension plan, employment insurance and benefit expenses once 2026 rates were received. Funding was also increased for some projects and departments, such as audio/visual upgrades to council chambers and IT maintenance and materials. Altogether, the adjustments added approximately $13,000 to operating expenses for 2026.
The 2026 Capital Budget was approved at $4,858,690, with $979,790 being contributed from the operating budget. It also allocates about $1 million in additional contributions to reserves for future projects.
Some notable capital projects on the docket include a culvert replacement, upgrades to the wastewater lagoon, tennis and pickleball court upgrades, and the purchase of a new loader.
Between pre-interim budget discussions and the final budget approval, about $1.22 million was reduced from the total. Multiple projects were directed to wait for studies to be completed for future budget consideration, or had the scope of the project work reduced.
A one per cent increase to the municipal portion of property taxes was also approved, which should result in an estimated extra $60,570 in revenue for the town when residential and non-residential revenues are combined.
