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By battlefordsNOW staff

MUNICIPAL MATTERS

North Battleford City Council to vote on 2026 budget with proposed mill-rate increase

Dec 5, 2025 | 2:34 PM

North Battleford city council will be asked on Monday, to approve the city’s 2026 municipal budget, which includes a proposed increase to the general municipal tax rate for next year.

The draft budget recommends raising the tax rate from 3.183 mills to 3.296 mills, following adjustments discussed with council during deliberations on Nov. 12 and 24.

The budget outlines several proposed fee and levy adjustments, including a 1.7 per cent increase for recycling and garbage collection, a 10 per cent increase to the Recreation and Cultural Capital Facilities levy, a five per cent increase to the UPAR levy, a five per cent water rate increase and a 2.9 per cent sewer rate increase.

A new $2 charge for mailed utility bills would begin in February, with email billing remaining free.

For residential properties, the changes would add between $8.78 and $11.36 per month. Commercial properties would see increases ranging from $13.09 to $56.59 per month. An average household using 10 cubic metres of water would see a $3.61 monthly increase.

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A report from Director of Finance Margarita Pena says the 2026 budget supports the city’s strategic pillars while maintaining existing service levels.

The General Fund proposes initiatives to improve downtown safety, boost economic development, support the Urban Forestry Plan, add resources for advocacy with other levels of government and address aging infrastructure, machinery and equipment.

The Utility Fund focuses on improving operational efficiencies in plant systems, beginning work to increase fire-flow capacity and supporting aging underground infrastructure. The UPAR fund aims to replace 6.7 kilometres of roadways next year.

If approved, the budget will be published on the city’s website, with updates shared through news releases and social media.

Council will meet Monday at the Don Ross Council Chamber.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com