Greater Napanee Mayor Terry Richardson has issued a directive to staff outlining priorities for the Town’s 2026 budget, emphasizing affordability and support for core services. The move comes amid inflation, global tariffs, and a projected 11% increase in the OPP bill, which could result in a 3% municipal tax increase.
Mayor Richardson is challenging staff to make the best use of existing resources and focus new investments on transportation and public safety. The budget directive includes restricting new tax-supported requests to core services, reducing the solid waste levy based on provincial changes, limiting multi-year funding for capital assets, avoiding new full-time hires, and supporting recreation and culture without additional taxpayer funding.
The Mayor also asked staff to address $8 million in unfunded capital assets using non-taxation revenue and to delay the budget to January 2026 to allow time for OPP funding updates. Pre-budget reports will ensure Council is aware of operational needs not included in the budget.
Written by Emily Chatwood
