The final budget will be set by council in two special meetings on Nov. 13 and Nov. 24
Nov 16, 2025 • Last updated Nov 16, 2025 •
The Oxford County administration building in Woodstock. (Postmedia Network file photo)
Oxford County councillors have started discussions regarding the county’s budget for 2026.
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A draft overview of the official business plan and budget for 2026 was shared with county councillors on Nov. 12. It includes a proposed five percent increase in property taxes for residents of Woodstock and a 5.1 percent rise for homeowners in Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Ingersoll, Norwich, South-West Oxford, Tillsonburg, and Zorra.
The council will finalize the budget during two special meetings-the first took place on Nov. 13 and the second is planned for Nov. 24- with the final approval expected at the council meeting on December 10.
The draft suggests a general levy of $96.3 million for the year ahead. After considering adjustments related to library services and court security, this would result in tax increases of $66 annually ($5.50 monthly) for Woodstock residents and $75 annually ($6.25 monthly) for those living outside Woodstock.
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The budget proposal features a $277.8-million operating budget that covers areas like affordable housing, safe drinking water initiatives, traffic calming measures, road safety efforts, paramedic services, and long-term care at Woodingford Lodge.
A capital plan amounting to $127.9 million is allocated for municipal infrastructure alongside $75.3 million designated for future projects concerning roads, bridges, water systems, wastewater management facilities, and information technology enhancements.
The proposed library levy indicates a need for a nine point five percent increase in services totaling $6.3 million across all branches except those operated by the city itself in Woodstock. The increased library budget equates to an extra $10 per year per household within their respective communities.
If approved, this new library funding will support ongoing programs through Ox on the Run mobile library unit that has been running as a pilot project so far. Ox on the Run delivers services directly to residents mainly in rural parts of Oxford County.
The draft also outlines several new initiatives including support funds for homelessness services , a review of paramedic service deployment and facilities , programs aimed at PTSD prevention , along with creating an updated official plan to steer community development going forward.
Additionally , it proposes hiring an additional twenty-five point five full-time staff members which would raise the county’s total workforce to seven hundred thirty-two point one.
Carolyn King , senior manager of finance at the county , mentioned that staff worked on this draft throughout summer involving public consultation as well as feedback from various departments within Oxford County.
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If given approval , municipal property taxes collected in twenty twenty-six would cover almost one quarter (twenty-three point four percent )of overall spending plans. Other revenue sources consist of contributions from provincial and federal governments , reserve funds assigned for upcoming costs , user fees such as those related to water or waste management rates along with other charges or debentures.
“Within our operating plan , we’re putting aside seventy-five point three million dollars into reserves ,” noted King.“What’s interesting is that we’re transferring one hundred twelve point seven million dollars towards our capital plan so we’re withdrawing more than what we deposit. That’s how reserves operate ; there are ups and downs throughout cycles.”
King explained that these budgeting sessions would give council more opportunities to explore details around reserves while considering longer term financial scenarios.“There will be peaks and valleys ,” she stated.Community members can check out the proposed draft online at oxfordcounty. ca/budget.“It’s an excellent resource combining all relevant information associated with budgeting ,” added King.
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