Greater Napanee council has voted to reduce the special tax levy for solid waste collection from $200 to $150 as part of its proposed 2026 municipal budget.
The change reflects new provincial legislation that removed the town’s responsibility for recycling, allowing the levy to be lowered. Council reviewed the draft budget during meetings on Jan. 7 and 8.
Under the proposal, the total tax levy would rise to $17,328,073, an increase of $1,122,661 from last year. A large portion of the increase comes from higher outside costs, including a $475,000 jump in Ontario Provincial Police funding.
The overall tax rate increase is estimated at 5.8 per cent. Of that, 2.6 per cent is tied to outside agencies such as the OPP and conservation authorities, while 3.4 per cent would support town services.
For a home assessed at $219,000, the increase is about $88.65. After the waste levy cut, the net impact on the town portion is about $38.
Council can propose changes until the end of the month, with a final vote set for Feb. 3, 2026. Residents can review documents and submit questions through the Let’s Talk Greater Napanee website.
Written by Emily Chatwood
