Yarmouth Town Hall. TINA COMEAU Photo by Tina Comeau /.Article contentYarmouth Town Council has approved a balanced operating budget of $28,710,919 for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which also maintains the tax rates.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe budget includes $28,710,919 in both projected revenues and expenses. Municipal tax rates remain unchanged, with no increases to garbage or sewer rates, says the town, despite challenges.Article contentArticle content“Rising costs and inflation continue to affect town departments and services,” reads a media release. “Staff are working to maintain reliable services, while managing higher costs for materials, fuel, insurance and other essential operations within a balanced budget.”Article contentArticle contentThe town says growth in its overall assessment base provided additional revenue this year to help offset these pressures, allowing council to maintain residential and commercial tax rates at their current rate levels of $1.71 per $100 of assessment for residential, and $4.35 per $100 assessment for commercial.Article contentArticle contentSIGNIFICANT EXPENSESArticle contentThe town says there are several significant expenses reflected in this year’s budget, some of which include:Article content• Heating oil: $259,000; fuel: $177,760; and chemicals: $195,000Article content• Insurance: $521,824Article content• Education: an increase of 4.1 per cent, or $68,672, for a total of $1,741,224Article content• Policing: an increase of 13.79 percent, or $400,000 for a total of $3,300,000Article content“We are living in difficult and uncertain times. Council understands that residents and businesses are already feeling financial pressure, and has made holding the tax rate a priority,” said Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood.Article content“The Town is experiencing the same rise in costs and we have worked carefully to ensure continued reliable services, maintain our infrastructure and manage taxpayers’ dollars responsibly,” she said. “This is our ‘stay-the-course’ budget, focused on stability – continuing to move our community forward while recognizing that, right now, asking more from taxpayers is simply not where we want to be. We are in this together.”Article contentArticle content Yarmouth Town Hall. TINA COMEAUArticle contentOTHER BUDGET HIGHLIGHTSArticle contentThe current fiscal year ends on March 31, 2027.Article contentOther highlights and rates from the 2026-27 operating budget, outlined in a media release, include the following.Article contentAs a point of clarification, the town notes that it’s 2026–27 operating budget totals $22,710,919, including $22,710,919 in projected revenues and expenses, resulting in a balanced operating budget. The budget, the town says, also reflects $6,000,000 in donations received for the Mariners Centre expansion and a corresponding $6,000,000 payment toward the project. By including these pass-through amounts, the town’s total budgeted revenues and expenses stand at $28,710,919.Article contentThe town, meanwhile, continues to set aside funds in reserves for depreciation, with $2,400,000 included in this year’s budget.Article contentThis year’s budget provides $4 million for new capital work, including the Mariners Centre expansion.Article contentResidential assessments increased by 7.41 per cent and commercial assessments by 5.63 per cent overall, providing approximately $867,718 in additional revenue. Property assessments are determined by Property Valuation Services Corporation, not the town. Individual property assessments and resulting tax bills may vary based on changes to a property’s assessed value.
Despite challenges Town of Yarmouth maintains tax rates in 2026-27 operating budget
