09/16/2026
Why does the 2027 Budget Survey begin at 4.72%?
For many years, Greater Madawaska was not setting aside enough money to maintain, rehabilitate and eventually replace the roads, buildings, vehicles and equipment it already owned.
The Asset Management Plan brought that problem into focus. It identified an inherited annual infrastructure funding gap of approximately $1.5 million.
Identifying the gap did not create it. It showed us that continuing the same approach would lead to more deterioration, greater reliance on debt and larger costs for future taxpayers.
That is why the Township adopted a ten-year financial strategy. It identifies an average annual municipal tax-rate increase of 4.72%:
* 3% for our existing assets. This is dedicated to asset management, gradually closing the infrastructure gap, building reserves and reducing future reliance on debt.
* Approximately 1.72% to maintain current services. This addresses inflation, operating expenses and other pressures affecting the cost of delivering the services residents already receive.
3% + 1.72% = 4.72%.
Ontario legislation requires municipalities to understand the condition of their assets, establish service levels and plan how those assets will be funded. The 4.72% reflects Greater Madawaska’s adopted ten-year approach to meeting that responsibility while maintaining current services.
But the ten-year timeline is a choice—and residents should help make it.
Would you prefer to:
* Continue the ten-year strategy and maintain current services?
* Invest more and address infrastructure needs sooner?
* Extend the strategy to 15 or 20 years to reduce the annual increase?
* Reduce or delay services, rehabilitation and asset replacement?
* Find savings elsewhere in the budget?
A longer timeline may lower the increase today, but it also carries consequences. Roads, buildings and equipment continue to age. Rehabilitation may be delayed, more assets may deteriorate, service levels could decline, and eventual repairs or emergency replacements may cost more.
The proposed 2027 budget direction also identifies a separate gravel-road funding gap. Addressing it would require an additional 0.6%—another decision residents and council must consider.
This is why the 2027 Budget Survey matters. It asks residents to consider the real balance between taxes, services and the long-term condition of our community.
📝Complete the 2027 Budget Survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DLRSHFW
The survey closes September 27. Results will be presented to council and considered during the 2027 budget process.
The increases are planned—but the plan can evolve. Your input will help determine what that should look like.
30 residents have already shared their priorities for the 2027 Budget — let’s keep the momentum going!
What matters most to you?
Roads and infrastructure? Recreation and community services? Taxation and spending? Future investments?
The Township of Greater Madawaska wants to hear from you as we begin planning the 2027 Municipal Budget.
It only takes a few minutes to have your say. Your feedback will help inform Council and staff during the budget process.
📝 Complete the 2027 Budget Survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DLRSHFW
