Municipality of Markstay-Warren > Newsroom > 2026 Budget Highlights

2026 Budget Highlights

Newsroom

Where do your tax dollars go?

Municipal Tax Levy on a $250,000 MPAC assessment is $4,011*

To help residents better understand how their taxes are distributed, we’ve put together a simple graphic. It’s based on a residential MPAC assessment of $250,000, which translates to an annual municipal levy of $4,011.

**Municipal Levy only using residential rate

2026 Budget Overview

The municipal budget reflects how tax dollars are invested in the services residents rely on every day. Each slice of the pie chart shows the share of funding dedicated to key areas across all departments. By presenting the budget as percentages, residents can clearly see where resources are allocated and how the municipality balances essential services, long‑term planning, and community needs.

The 2026 municipal budget includes a 5% tax increase, made up of:

  • 3% for operating and capital needs
  • 2% dedicated to long‑term asset management

These investments help maintain essential services, support infrastructure, and ensure long‑term financial stability.

2025 Year-End Results

The municipality ended 2025 with a $159,000 surplus, continuing a positive financial trend. KPMG presented the 2023, 2024 and 2025 Audit at a Special Council Meeting on May 14th. To see the full video: KPMG Audit Presentation Video

Budget Presentation

Budget Highlights

General Government

Revenues increased due to levy changes, election reserve use, and a FEDNOR grant. Expenses rose mainly from legal fees, election costs, Escribe, Asset Management Reserve contribution and the strategic plan (90% funded by FEDNOR).

Corporate Management

Higher Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) funding and continued Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) support increased revenues. Expenses grew due to full staffing levels, software transition costs, IT procurement, and audit work.

Local Boards

Shared services such as Police, Manitoulin Sudbury District Board, Public Health Sudbury District, and Sudbury East Planning Board saw an overall increase.

Local boards provide essential shared services within the municipality, and their budgets are set independently of municipal control. These services—such as policing, public health, and shared administrative boards—are mandatory and funded through our annual levy. In 2026, local boards represent 11.56% of the overall municipal budget, highlighting both their importance and the limited ability the municipality has to influence their costs.

Fire Department

Revenues increased through the Fire Protection Grant. Expenses rose slightly but were offset by the final payment of the 2013 pumper in 2025.

Emergency Management

No major changes for 2026; focus remains on training and preparedness.

Building & By‑Law

Revenues increased with more severances and active projects. Septic permit responsibilities will shift from Public Health to Sudbury East Building and By-Law (SEBBS) later this year with anticipated new revenue for 2027.

Cemetery

Revenues and maintenance costs were adjusted to better reflect actual activity.

Landfill

Revenues were reduced to match 2025 actuals. Expenses decreased due to a lower asset retirement obligation.

Library

Revenues decreased as one‑time 2025 items are not repeated. A $20,000 donation will support new costs, including a new AC unit. Expenses increased due to utilities and internet, though the connectivity grant covers internet fully.

Parks & Recreation

Small increases in both revenue and expenses, mainly due to training and maintenance adjustments.

Public Works

Revenues increased from scrap metal, a pothole prevention grant, and equipment sales. Expenses rose due to equipment rentals, brushing, hydrant maintenance, winter control materials, a new debenture, and major repairs.

Rentals

Revenues increased with new rental opportunities, including the upcoming pharmacy and future use of the former OPP building. Expenses increased due to costs associated with 38 Rutland.

Capital Budget

The 2026 Capital Budget includes both carried‑over projects and new initiatives. Funding sources include grants, debentures, and select reserves.

Thank you

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the 2026 municipal budget. We’ve included visuals to make the information easier to explore, and we hope they help you see how each part of the budget supports a stronger, more resilient community.