Council Approves 2026 Reserve Fund Budget

Woodstock City Council has approved the 2026 Revenue Fund (Operating) Budget, ensuring the city has the resources to sustain and strengthen the programs and services that support our growing community.

The approved Revenue Fund Budget, as amended, came in at $88,140,039 which is a 6.99 per cent increase over 2025. This results in a residential property tax rate increase of 4.11 per cent of which 1.08 per cent represents Woodstock Police Services, 2.86 percent for City costs and 0.17 per cent for Library costs. The overall 4.11 per cent tax increase means the average home in Woodstock (assessed value $271,125) will see an increase of $132.86 for this portion of their property taxes.  

“As a Council, we know many households are feeling the impact of rising costs, and that makes our responsibility to manage the City’s budget wisely more important than ever. This budget reflects a careful balance, being mindful of the financial pressures facing our community while ensuring we can continue to deliver the services, programs and facilities that matter most to residents,” said Mayor Jerry Acchione. “At the same time, we’re planning ahead and laying the groundwork for the major projects our growing city will need in the years to come.”

The approved 2026 budget includes key operating highlights including:

• Contributions towards a new Culture Master Plan reserve as well as to a new Community Complex Reserve to gradually set aside funds as a strategy to support the development of a new recreation facility
• A fundraising and sponsorship strategy for the proposed North Woodstock Community Complex development
• Added six new full‑time positions and converted part‑time hours and contracted services into the equivalent of 8 full‑time staff to support Woodstock’s growth and strengthen community service delivery
• Continuation of the Youth/Teen Programming

Staff presented the proposed 2026 Operating Budget and Overview to Council during its regular meeting on February 19, 2026. Departmental staff then provided additional details, and Council had the opportunity to ask questions during special budget meetings held on February 24 and 26. The Woodstock Police Service, Woodstock Public Library and Woodstock Art Gallery boards presented their budgets at the March 5 Council meeting. Council adopted the 2026 Operating Budget during its March 19 meeting. The 2026 Capital Budget and 2027-2030 Capital Forecast Plan was adopted at the December 11, 2025 Council meeting.