Brooks residents will see slight increases in taxes in 2026

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 2, 2026.

Brooks city councillors approved that city’s 2026 interim budget during its last public meeting in December, which includes an average tax increase for a homeowner of $15 per month in property taxes and utility rates.

To maintain essential service and utilities council approved the 2026 Budget, which includes an average increase of $9.99 per month property taxes on a home assessed at $300,000, as well as an average increase of $10.78 per bi-monthly (two months) bill.

The budget reflects higher expenditure pressures including higher costs in policing, insurance and legal fees, snow removal, street sanding, link marking and stormwater management.

The increase on the utility side is caused due to rising costs for treating water purchases under the NRSC contract, higher landfill requisition fees and inflation impacts on electricity and insurance.

“These factors ensure the City can maintain reliable water and waste services while addressing aging infrastructure,” states a media release from city staff.

In total, Brooks will spend $41.1 million in operating expenses in 2026 and $53 million in capital projects, which include the wastewater treatment plant, annual street improvement project, sanitary truck main to the Old Lagoon and work on the Works and Utilities Administration Office.

Council reduced the capital budget spending by $7.28 million in an effort to strengthen reserves and reduce future debt commitment. This decision also lowered reserve use by $4.4 million.

The capital plan also leverages $14 million in grant funding to reduce pressure on city coffers moving forward.

“Council and administration have worked diligently to manage these challenges without eroding service levels,” said Jourdan Jones, communications officer. “Through responsible financial planning, Brooks continues to deliver exceptional value to ratepayers while remaining one of Alberta’s most affordable municipalities.”

Approval of the final budget is expected to go before council in April.

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