Holyrood budget all about ‘fiscal responsibility,’ says council

By Craig Westcott

Spending will be up by nearly $460,000 over the past year, but Holyrood council has managed to balance its 2026 budget without any increase in the mil rate, or fees.

The document, presented by Deputy Mayor Michelle Woodford last week, weighs in at $5.2 million in revenue and an equal amount in spending. By law, all municipalities must balance their books, unlike the provincial and federal governments which often borrow on the backs of taxpayers, creating long term debt, to cover their deficits.

“Our goal is simple,” said Woodford. “To ensure that every dollar entrusted to us delivers value, strengthens our town, and prepares us for the future.”

Council is confident of balancing its books next year, despite its increased spending, due to an increase in the property values of some homes in the community. So, while the mil rate will stay at 7 and 12 mils respectively for residential and business properties, some residents will pay more next year because of the higher value of their homes and business properties. Council is expecting to collect some $4.54 million in property taxes.

“This is solely based on the assessed value (of properties) and we encourage residents to carefully review their annual assessment notice and to appeal the assessed value if they believe it warrants reconsideration,» Woodford said, noting appeals must be filed with the provincial Municipal Assessment Agency and not the Town.

Council is also expecting to collect some $263,750 next year from proceeds at events such as Squidfest, and from fees paid by property holders outside Holyrood’s boundaries for fire protection. Woodford is expecting the Town will get some $289,460 in funding from the provincial government and federal gas tax transfers. The remaining $108,000 needed to cover the Town’s operations will come from its own sources, namely occupancy permits, compliance letters on real estate transactions and rental fees paid by start-up companies using Town facilities.

Residents will get a break on some fees.

“Last year, council took proactive steps to reduce or eliminate numerous fees related to development and general repair,” said Woodford. “This year we are removing costs associated with permits for fences and patios and maintaining zero dollar permits for general repairs for residential properties all year round.”
On the spending side of the ledger, Holyrood plans on buying a new wide-track backhoe with blade to help improve snow clearing and ditching and its response to water leaks. The money will come from the $1.7 million allocated for essential services, which includes maintenance and upgrades to the town’s water and sanitation system, roads, buildings, parks and sports facilities. Another $497,721 will cover garbage collection and treatment of Town water.

“This year we were boldly reminded of the importance of our protective services,” said Woodford, who allocated $633,712 to that department. “Protective services reflect our investment in our fire department,” she said. “This financial commitment includes salaries for our four career staff as well as training and incident call stipends for both career staff and all 18 volunteers. With over 200 calls realized in 2025, each incident call was responded with competence, professionalism, and dedication.”

In other expenditures, nearly $400,000 is earmarked for recreation services, and $1.165 million for management and clerical salaries, insurance, professional services, pay for councillors, and the creation of a $100,000 disaster fund.

Some $695,161 will go towards the Town’s debt on major capital works projects, which would be a lot higher if not for the 90/10 split on funding for many of the projects with the Province covering the lion’s share through borrowings of its own.

“I am pleased to report, Mayor, that our debt ratio entering 2026 stands at a low eight percent,” Woodford said. “This is quite an achievement, and your council and staff remain committed to monitoring spending through 2026 to ensure our financial foundation is solid.”

Council has set aside $99,232 for planning and development, which includes money for marketing Holyrood as a “place to hang a shingle and be a member of our business community,” said Woodford.

The presentation drew plaudits from the rest of council, including councillor Steve Winsor, who allowed while no budget can be perfect, this one came pretty close. “I think we should be very proud of (our) fiscal responsibility.” he added. “We are holding the line on fees and the mil rate at seven. I know there are people who would like it to come down – I would like it to come down too. That’s not possible. We were able to hold it and we’re very proud of that despite of the rising costs of running the Town.”

Woodford, meanwhile, was pleased with the uptick in public participation as council prepared the budget.
“This is truly a budget reflective of what you said,” the deputy mayor told residents. “Over 100 people used the survey site this year; last year we had 16 people responding. Both council and staff appreciate the time you took to offer your suggestions and help guide our decision making. We received three written submissions, all of which were treated with respect and interest.”