Milton: 7.88% tax pressure looms over new mayor's first budget
The new mayor holds strong-mayor powers as residents prepare to weigh in on a 2027 plan that follows a 34.7% rate hike over the last four years.
By Thabo Hoffmann ·
The Town of Milton faces an estimated 7.88% increase in local property taxes for 2027, a figure that equates to $29.90 per $100,000 of assessed value. This projection appears in the budget call report presented to council in September. Staff typically reduces this number before a final vote, but the initial estimate sets the stage for the next fiscal year.
The 2026 operating budget stood at $236.1 million, while the capital budget totaled $125.8 million. These figures support daily services and hundreds of projects. The 2027 budget will determine how tax dollars are allocated next year. The report notes that revenue from residential growth does not currently cover the full cost of services. It states that balancing growth between residential and non-residential sectors is critical to financial stability.
George Minakakis won the 2026 municipal election, becoming Milton's first new mayor since 1980. Minakakis campaigned on keeping property taxes down. He now holds strong-mayor powers, which may allow him to pass a budget of his choosing. During an October meeting in Campbellville, Minakakis said the town needs to change its financial direction. He referenced the budget report's finding that housing revenue does not cover service delivery costs.
The previous administration under Mayor Gord Krantz increased the local tax rate by a total of 34.7% over the last four-year council term. Krantz never used his veto powers during the budget process, despite regularly criticizing the final budgets publicly. Minakakis's approach remains to be seen as the new council begins its term.
Residents have three primary ways to influence the 2027 budget. An online portal at www.letstalkmilton.ca is currently collecting feedback. Residents can submit comments on parking enforcement, heritage assets, fire services, and other municipal issues. This input will be included in the January budget council report.
The town has also launched a 15-minute phone survey that runs until November 27. Participation is voluntary and randomized. The survey asks about user fees, property taxes, and service levels. Residents may also speak directly with their councillors. The 2026-30 council term is about to begin, and new and returning members have pledged to listen to the public.
The mayor's 2027 budget is expected to be released by mid-January. Council will likely consider it at its January meeting. The final numbers for the 2027 tax rate have not yet been set, but the pressure for a substantial increase is already documented in the preliminary reports.
