Brighton Council passes 2025 Budget that represents a 6.2% tax increase

On Monday, March 3, Brighton Council adopted a by-law to approve the 2025 Operating and Capital Budget. 

When combined with the Provincial Education Levy, and the Northumberland County Levy, Brighton residents will see a 6.2% tax increase for 2025. An increase in the tax levy is necessary to continue providing services that residents rely on, while enhancing the current levels of service offered by the municipality. 

Key initiatives and Capital Projects within the 2025 Municipal Budget –

- Enhancing accessibility and customer service within our community – Updates to the municipal website for usability and enhancing communication efforts, and improvements to the Prince Edward Street sidewalks. Creation of a centralized accessible customer service desk at the Brighton Municipal Centre, inclusion of new staffing positions to provide additional customer service in the departments of Planning and Public Works, and Clerks and Finance.

- Improving capital infrastructure - Construction of a new Wastewater Treatment Plant, upgrades to the water and wastewater infrastructure on Prince Edward Street, in collaboration with Northumberland County.

- Upgrading our current assets – Replacement of Public Works maintenance equipment, upgrades to the Owen Gibb Arena, modernized trail signage and construction upgrades to Municipally owned parks.

- Keeping our First Responders protected – Replacement of Bunker Gear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), purchase of an additional pick-up truck, and a new Station #1 Fire Hall and Northumberland County Paramedic base.

- Strategic development initiatives – Creation of an Official Plan, a Land Banking Development Plan and Servicing Design, and Multi-Purpose Recreational feasibility study.

Municipal expenditures within the budget are aligned with the 2025 Budget Guideline Report, that was approved by Council in the Fall of 2024.

Budget deliberations took place over three dedicated Committee of the Whole meetings, and a Public Meeting which included a budget presentation during the Regular Council Meeting on February 18.

Municipal staff would like to thank the community for their engagement throughout the 2025 budget process.

To learn more about the 2025 budget and the process, please visit our website.