Moncton is keeping property taxes steady in its 2026 budget while adding millions for services and infrastructure.
City council approved the plan at a special meeting on Thursday after one day of public deliberations.
The budget includes three parts: operating, capital and utility.
Chief financial officer Jacques Doucet said the city’s tax base grew by 3.6 per cent despite a provincial assessment freeze. He said that growth added $3.9 million for services and priorities.
“Even with the impact of the assessment freeze and the inability to reduce the tax rate as we have done the past four budgets, the City was able to add $3.9 million to invest in many service areas and to address key strategic priorities,” Doucet said.
Operating budget
The $236‑million operating budget funds municipal programs and services.
It creates 19 new positions, including 12 in protective services to strengthen firefighting, emergency management and logistics.
Other roles will be added in water and wastewater services, municipal support, the Moncton Coliseum and Codiac Transpo.
The city will contribute $11.2 million in grants to local organizations.
Debt is projected at 10 per cent by the end of 2026, well below the 20 per cent limit set by the Municipal Capital Borrowing Board.
The general operating fund debt is expected to reach $122.5 million.
Capital budget
The $92‑million capital budget invests in infrastructure renewal and new projects.
The plan includes $27.5 million for roadwork and active transportation, $20.2 million for water and sewer upgrades, and $24.2 million for improvements in tourism, culture, and venues.
This will fund upgrades to facilities at Magnetic Hill Zoo and libraries.
The breakdown of funding is as follows: $9.9 million will go to recreation and parks, $4.9 million will be allocated to Codiac Transpo, and $4.8 million will be used for facility construction.
There are also smaller amounts set aside for protective services and information technology.
To manage debt, $19.4 million from the operating budget will support capital projects, while $32 million will be borrowed.
Utility budget
The $47.8‑million utility budget funds water and wastewater services. Rates will rise slightly in 2026, with the average household charge set at $1,138 for the year, an increase of 0.84 per cent.
Commercial customers will see increases between 0.5 and one per cent, depending on usage and service line size.
The city said nearly $1 million will be invested in watershed safety, signage, equipment and maintenance. Two new positions will also be added to water and wastewater services.
