Council to begin discussions on ‘dire’ budget this week

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

Halifax Regional Councillors will begin deliberations on the 2026/27 municipal budget this week, and the starting document includes a large increase to property taxes.

The budget direction, made public on Friday, shows next year’s budget coming in at an increase of $88.9 million. According to staff, this results in an average property tax bill increase of 10.5 per cent.

“That’s not the number we want to be at,” said Councillor Jean St. Amand. “We know we’ve got our work cut out for us because this is already a lean budget.”

“I think last year when the initial documents were received at council the proposal was around 8-point-something in terms of a percentage increase,” explained Councillor Janet Steele. “This year the situation is a bit more dire, because clear direction had been given on no new expenditures.”

According to staff, the largest portion of the budget increase comes from compensation, at $38 million. Staff says the jump is the result of collective agreements.

More politics stories:

• Nova Scotia’s first two individual ‘death reviews’ slammed for lack of transparency
• Budget signals lower increases to health transfers, end of funding deals
• MP Chris d’Entremont’s jump from Tories to Liberals sparks chatter across Nova Scotia

“So last year with our flat tax rate, the average single-family home property tax went up by $117,” Steele said. “This (year) would look at an increase of between $270 to $280, so it’s a fairly significant increase.”

It is typical during budget season for discussions to begin at a higher number than what is eventually decided upon by council.

In its report, the staff says potential savings could be found through things like a staffing review or an increase in fines and fees in the municipality.

The first budget committee meeting is set for Wednesday.