2026 Proposed Business Plan & Budget
Working Together for Elgin County
Elgin County is an Upper-Tier Municipality serving approximately 52,000 residents across seven unique Municipalities:
- Municipality of West Elgin
- Municipality of Dutton Dunwich
- Township of Southwold
- Municipality of Central Elgin
- Town of Aylmer
- Township of Malahide
- Municipality of Bayham
Together, these Municipalities collaborate with Elgin County to offer the following services that support our vibrant communities, businesses, and visitors.
Elgin County consists of 12 service areas dedicated to exceptional programming for you, our taxpayers. Each department addresses specific needs and ensures efficient County operations. Elgin County Council sets policies and priorities, while the senior leaders and staff carry them out by managing budgets and overseeing daily operations. Together, County Council and staff prioritize transparency, accountability, and innovation to foster a welcoming environment for you, the taxpayer.
The following service areas are funded by the County but are delivered by other organizations. These collaborations ensure that specialized expertise is utilized to address community needs effectively. By working with dedicated partners, the County is able to offer comprehensive support across various sectors, enhancing the quality of life for all residents. This approach not only maximizes resource efficiency but also fosters a spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility among local agencies and organizations.
How the Budget Works
The County’s budget shows how your tax dollars and other revenues are used to run programs, maintain infrastructure, and invest in projects. It includes:
- Operating Costs: These include both the base operating budget and any service level changes. The base budget covers the day-to-day costs of running County services such as facility operations, programming, staff wages, supplies, and contracted services like EMS and Social Services. Service level changes are adjustments to the base budget that increase or reduce spending, such as hiring new staff or adding programs beyond the previous year’s levels.
- Capital Investments: Long-term projects that improve infrastructure, replace equipment, and extend the life of County assets, as well as some service level changes.
- Revenue Sources: Funding comes from the County tax levy, provincial and federal grants, user fees, and other revenues.
Budgets can often be complicated. To simplify the process, below we have detailed how the Elgin County budget is created:
How the Budget is Funded
Your property taxes help pay for County services. Both your local municipality and the County collect taxes to fund the services each provides. The County levy is collected by local municipalities through a single property tax bill and then transferred to the County. The same bill also includes education taxes, which go to local school boards. The County also receives provincial and federal grants and user fees to help offset the cost of municipal programs and services.
The figure below illustrates how your home or property’s assessed value is used to calculate your property tax bill:
How the Budget is Created
The budget is developed in several steps over a few months:
- Department Planning: Each department reviews needs and projects for the year ahead.
- Finance Committee Review: County Councillors review department budgets, operating costs, service level changes, and capital projects.
- Public Consultation: Residents and businesses can provide feedback through an online survey or by attending the public consultation meeting.
- Council Approval: County Council approves the final budget, which guides operations for the year.
See the 2026 Budget Process Timeline for all key dates.
What Does This Mean For You?
For 2026 Elgin County Council is proposing an annual County Levy of $51.1M. This is an increase of $1.3M over the prior 2025 County Levy of $49.8M. This equates to a 1.17% increase in tax rate on an average property.
How You Can Participate
Read the 2026 Proposed Business Plan & Budget, found here.
Your input matters. You can become involved through any of the following options:
- Complete the Budget Survey below (available Dec 4 – Dec 11)
- Attend or watch Finance Committee and Council meetings
- Join the Public Consultation Meeting to share feedback directly with Council (Elgin County Administration Building - 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas - Council Chambers - December 16th 5:30pm - 7pm, email: adminteam@elgin.ca to register as a delegate)
What Happens After Approval
Once approved, departments begin implementing funded programs and projects. County staff track progress throughout the year to ensure your tax dollars are used responsibly.
Budget Glossary
Amortization
Gradually writing off the initial cost of an asset over its useful life.
Asset(s)
Property owned by the County that has value, such as land, buildings, or equipment.
Assessment Value
A property's value as determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).
Base Budget
The portion of the operating budget that covers day-to-day costs of County services, including staff wages, supplies, facility operations, programming, and contracted services such as EMS and Social Services.
Budget Consultation
Opportunities for residents to provide input on proposed budgets before Council approval.
Capital Assets
Property, facilities, structures, and equipment owned by the County, such as land, buildings, and machinery.
Capital Budget
The annual plan for purchasing and financing capital assets.
Capital Expenditure Forecast
A 10-year financial plan that projects future spending on long-term assets such as property, equipment, and technology to maintain and improve County services (see Elgin County's Asset Management Plan)
Capital Fund
The portion of a capital project paid for through borrowing or drawing from the County’s reserves.
Capital Project
A specific initiative to purchase, repair, or improve a capital asset.
County Levy
The portion of property taxes collected by local municipalities and transferred to the County to fund regional services.
Financial Forecasting
Estimating the County’s future financial outcomes based on past performance and current data.
Infrastructure
Physical assets such as roads, bridges, and County facilities that support services.
Operating Budget
Revenue and expenses that support County services. This includes both the base budget and service level changes.
Operating Costs
Total day-to-day costs of County services, including base budget and service level changes.
Public Engagement
Activities where residents can share feedback, such as surveys or consultation meetings.
Reserves
Funds set aside for future expenditures, emergencies, or specific projects.
Service Level Changes
Adjustments to the base operating budget that increase or reduce spending, such as adding programs, expanding services, or hiring additional staff.
Tax Increase
An increase in property taxes based on changes in property values or County funding requirements. Learn more through MPAC’s Understanding Your Assessment video: https://youtu.be/nrWry5i3TBU
Tax Ratios
The relationship between the tax rate for each property class and the residential property class. Ratios help distribute the tax burden among different property types, with the residential class set at a value of one (1).
Tax Rate
The percentage applied to the taxable assessment of your property, expressed to six decimal places.
Taxation
Revenue collected by the County through property taxes.
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Budget Documents
Who's Listening
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Phone (519) 631-1460 x107 Email budget@elgin.ca -
Elgin County Warden
Email warden@elgin.ca