Annual Budget

The Town of St. Marys annual budget is an itemized summary of money coming into the municipality. The budget directs how that money will be spent over a specific period of time. The amounts to be spent are determined through input from staff and the public, legislated requirements, and sometimes needs beyond anyone's control, such as funds to replace aging infrastructure with limited resources. 

On this Page:

  1. 2026 budget 
  2. Total municipal burden on residential dwelling
  3. 2025 budget
  4. Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)

2026 budget

The 2026 budget was adopted on November 20, 2025. 

An additional $817,551 (5.20%) will be raised through property taxes in 2026. After accounting for assessment growth, this represents a 3.88% annual property tax increase for residential properties. The 2026 budget ensures the Town can continue delivering high-quality day-to-day municipal services while advancing key strategic priorities. 

Budget Documents

View a detailed version of the 2026 Capital & Operating Budget. 

The Operating Budget services the Town's day-to-day expenses required to deliver municipal services, programs, and ongoing operations.

The Capital Budget funds major, one-time investments such as infrastructure upgrades, facility improvements, and other long-term projects that support the community's future needs. 

The table below outlines the municipal burden on the average residential dwelling in St. Marys. The municipal burden represents the total amount an average residential property owner pays in property tax and water and wastewater fees. 

Total municipal burden on residential dwelling

  2025 2026 Percentage increase Dollar increase
Median municipal tax - residential dwelling1 $4,163.99 $4,325.61 3.88% $162
Wheelie bin2 $132.89 $138.21 4% $5
Education tax 3 $406.98 $406.98 0% $0
Total - property tax bill $4,703.86 $4,870.80 3.55% $167
         
Water4 $434.46 $441.85 1.7% $7
Wastewater4 $508.62 $531.51 4.5% $23
Total - utility bill $943.08 $973.35 3.21% $30
         
TOTAL MUNICIPAL BURDEN $5,646.94 $5,844.15 3.49% $197

1 Municipal tax (does not include education tax) based on median assessment of $266,000

2 Based on 35 L Wheelie Bin

3 Education rates prescribed by the province - unconfirmed

4 Based on average use of 12 cubic meters per month

2025 budget

View a detailed version of the 2025 Municipal Budget. 

Town Council voted unanimously in favour of the 2025 budget on January 28, 2025.

The budget calls for an additional $816,021 (5.48%) to be raised through property taxes in 2025. 

When adjusted for growth, this will result in a 3.63% ($130) annual property tax increase for a typical residential property. Water and sewer bills will increase by 3.19% or $29 annually for the average residential household.

These funds are required to provide day-to-day municipal services and support strategic projects. 

Budget Documents

View a detailed version of the 2025 operating budget. The operating budget covers the day-to-day costs of running the municipality. 

View a summary if the 2025 capital budget. The capital budget covers the cost of major, one-time projects led by the municipality. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)

In 2019, St. Marys participated in the BMA Residential Taxes Comparison Study. St. Marys falls among the "mid" range municipalities for residential property taxes. While St. Marys residential tax rate alone may seem to be higher than the average community, when applied to the average property assessment, the average dollar amount paid in residential taxes puts St. Marys in the mid-range when compared to other municipalities. To better understand how the tax rate is determined, please see the video under the next question. For further details on this study, you can view the full Municipal Study here. 

A printed copy of this study is available upon request. 

In setting the annual budget, and thereby arriving at the municipal tax rate, the Town determines all anticipated expenses, deducts the revenue it expects to receive, and arrives at an amount to be raised from property taxation. This amount is divided by total property assessment to arrive at a property tax rate.

Annual tax rates are calculated during the spring budget process. Once the tax levy by-law has passed, the rates will be posted on our Property Tax Rate page.

 

 

  1. Council sets the priorities and services the Town will provide.
  2. Staff provide Council with the estimated cost to provide those priorities and services.
  3. Council deliberates, amends and finalizes the budget details for the year and sets the total dollars required for the year.
  4. The Treasurer uses the final budget numbers, along with property assessment information and property tax policies to determine the annual tax bills for each property for the year.
  5. Staff deliver the services to the public.

The taxes you pay support the services delivered by the municipality. Different amounts are allocated to specific projects/departments based on the annual budget. The chart below shows how much of your taxes are allocated to each area/service.

How are your taxes spent chart 2026

Please visit our Property Taxes webpage for more information. 

If you require any documents listed on this page in an alternate format, please contact the Clerk's Office at 519-284-2340 ext. 212 or clerksoffice@town.stmarys.on.ca.

Contact Us

Town of St. Marys (general contact)
Town Hall: 175 Queen Street East
Mail: P.O Box 998
St. Marys, ON N4X 1B6

T: 519-284-2340
F: 519-284-2881
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