The Town of Essex 2026 Operating and Capital Budget has been deemed adopted following budget deliberations held on December 8, 2025. The $79.9 million budget reflects the Town’s ongoing commitment to responsible financial management, sustainable growth, and continued investment in services and infrastructure that enhance the quality of life for residents.

The 2026 Budget includes more than $21.4 million dedicated to capital projects and focuses on strengthening core services, improving community assets, and advancing long-term strategic priorities identified in the 2023–2027 Strategic Action Plan.

The average increase to the total tax rate, across all four wards is 2.66% (including County and school board). The new tax rate represents an average annual increase of $95.57 annually (approximately $7.71 monthly) for the average household in the Town of Essex.

Budget highlights include:

• Maintaining Service Levels While Meeting Contractual Obligations: The budget incorporates contractual increases from the policing contract and the phased-in impact of the 2024 negotiated union agreement. A continued 0.5% levy to support the Town’s asset management program for asset replacement.
• Strong Focus on Infrastructure and Innovation: Key investments include Residential Intensification Guidelines, the replacement of Fire Station 3, and improvements to the Maidstone Avenue/Talbot Street intersection. Innovative initiatives such as Phase One of the Enterprise Resource Planning system and a hybrid Bylaw Enforcement patrol vehicle support long-term modernization.
• Stabilizing Tax Impacts and Strengthening Financial Sustainability: The Town has applied its longer-term tax impact plan and completed a review of user fees to align with associated service costs, helping to reduce reliance on property taxes while ensuring stable and predictable financial growth.

“On behalf of Council and Administration, I am pleased to see the 2026 Budget deemed adopted,” said Sherry Bondy, Mayor, Town of Essex. “This budget reflects our commitment to responsible financial management while continuing to invest in the priorities that matter most to our residents. It builds on our progress over the past year by maintaining core services, strengthening community assets, and planning for long-term sustainability.”