Barrhead County council has approved the final 2026 Operating Budget at $20.1 million, to be balanced with a property tax rate increase of one per cent.
Since the interim operating and capital budgets were approved in December 2025, the county has disposed of some old equipment and purchased replacement units.
Considering these purchases, carryforward projects from 2025 and new assessment information, the 2026 Operating Budget was approved at $20,134,180 in revenues and expenses, while the 2026 Capital Budget was amended to $11,017,056 from $10,642,042.
Compared to 2025, operational expenses for salaries and benefits and transfers to individuals and organizations are increasing by nine per cent and 34 per cent, respectively. At the same time, transfers to other governments are decreasing by 47 per cent.
Council has $15.0 million to raise through general taxation to balance the budget, requiring a one per cent mill rate increase.
Provincial requisitions, which are collected through property tax bills on its behalf, are also increasing this year, a factor the municipality cannot control.
Council approved the budget and the tax rate increase during its regularly scheduled meeting on April 21.
