Table shows the historical tax levy increase from 2023 through to the present 2026 draft. Tax increase is the top portion of each column while assessment growth is on the bottom. Photo Courtesy Township of Russell
EMBRUN – At their regularly scheduled meeting on Tues., Oct. 14, Russell Council received the first draft of the 2026 budget, and as it stands, residents would be looking at an 8.4 per cent property tax increase.
“Tonight, Council is just receiving this first draft, it is not a decision in receiving it,” said Mayor Mike Tarnowski. “It is the beginning of our review process, and an important step in ensuring openness, accountability, and responsible financial management.”
According to the report presented, each one per cent increase in the tax levy generates approximately $206,000 in additional revenue and translates to approximately $22.50 per year or $1.90 per month for the average home. This refers only to the municipal portion of the tax bill, not the total amount which includes the county and school board portion of the final tax bill.
Council will be meeting on Oct. 23 and 24 to review the budget.
“As we go through this process, we will make sure we stay focused on three key points that I think are important: affordability, transparency and long-term sustainability. If we use these principles to guide our decisions, I think we’re well on our way,” added Mayor Tarnowski.
No substantive questions were posed by the members of Council, as each will be receiving a binder containing the draft budget and supporting documentation. They were asked by Mayor Tarnowski to review this carefully prior to the meetings on Oct. 23 and 24.
The report was subsequently accepted without further discussion.
The draft budget report in its entirety can be viewed on the Township website (Russell.ca) as part of the agenda for the Oct. 14, 2025 Council meeting.
Terry Tinkess is a professional photographer, educator and journalist. He has been making a living with a camera and keyboard since 1999 and has been featured in such publications as The Ottawa Citizen, Cornwall Standard Freeholder, The Globe and Mail, The Miami Herald, Ottawa Construction News, The Ontario Construction Report, Ontario Home Builder Magazine, Reed Construction Data, Canadian Potato Business and most recently, The Record and Eastern Ontario AgriNews. Terry lives in Ingleside, Ontario with his wife Brenda, Mia the anxious Pittie and cats Wally and Chubbers.
