Heather Wright/The Independent

Brooke-Alvinston taxpayers are looking at a four per cent tax increase, but councillors are suggesting the increase should be higher in 2026. Council had its first look at the proposed $5.4 million operating and capital budget Dec. 11. Treasurer Stephen Ikert said the majority of the capital budget will be spent in public works this year, with the largest spending at Brooke-Alvinston-Inwood Community Centre. The municipality will be replacing the arena floor at a cost of about $1.9 million.

There is also one major road project in the capital budget. Ikert says $1 million has been set aside to rebuild Churchill Line. It’s a two-year project with another $500,000 needed in 2027.

Costs for protective services such as the OPP and fire are up, as is insurance. “Is there any of this stuff that can be deferred?” asked Councillor Frank Nemeck.

Clerk Administrator Janet Denkers said the only possible project which could be put off is the floor in the library.

Councillor Don McCabe, on the other hand, pointed out not a lot of money is being placed back into reserves this year. He’d hoped to see council follow its policy to put four per cent in reserves. It’s slightly lower than that.

Ikert added Brooke-Alvinston didn’t have to take as much out of reserves last year but to hit that goal there would need to be a “significant tax increase.”

Right now, Ikert said the budget is about 5.89 per cent higher than 2025 , but because of assessment growth, the tax increase would be 3.94 per cent increase. Councillors will review the budget again in January.