Summary

The 2026 Municipal Budget was deemed adopted on January 14, 2026. With adoption, the general levy increases by $534,318, which translates into a tax rate increase of approximately 1.40% for rural wards (Stephen and Usborne) and 2.48% increase for the urban ward (Exeter).

This means the annual increase for the average South Huron residential assessment is $26.12 for rural wards and $52.57 for the urban ward. It is important to note that this is for the municipal portion of property taxes, only - not education or county portions, which are determined by the Province and County of Huron, respectively.

Budget Meetings

To prepare the 2026 municipal budget, South Huron Council set special meetings on the following dates (click on meeting dates for a link to meeting agendas):

Monday, September 29, 2025 (Budget Basics)
Monday, October 27, 2025 (Staff Draft Budget)
Monday, November 10, 2025 (Staff Draft Budget)
Monday, December 8, 2025 (Council Amendment period)
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 (Council Amendment period)
Additional document received following publishing of December 17, 2025 agenda

Overview

The Municipality of South Huron prepares an annual budget that is approved by Council. The annual budget allocates resources to public services and projects and balances the resources drawn from the community against the demands for services and projects, while keeping municipal taxes and user fees within acceptable limits and ensuring that services are sufficient. The budget covers the entire municipality's operational areas, including building and development services, cemeteries, emergency services, recreation services, transportation, water, wastewater, storm sewer and solid waste.

On April 9, 2025, strong mayor powers were extended to the Municipality of South Huron, along with 168 additional municipalities and effective on May 1, 2025. Under the Strong Mayors Act, the Mayor must prepare and present the Municipality’s annual budget to Council prior to February 1. It is subject to Council amendments, a Mayor veto, and a Council override process under prescribed timelines.
While the Mayor cannot delegate his budget responsibilities, direction can be given to staff to bring forward the capital and operating draft budgets following past practices and processes. Mayor Finch made such a declaration on July 18, 2025.

Project Status:

Completed - The 2026 Budget was deemed adopted as of January 14, 2026 following the end of the legislative process.

Contacts

Julia Warwick
Director of Financial Services / Treasurer
Phone: 519-235-0310 x 229
Email: treasurer@southhuron.ca

Proposed Budget

The Mayor released the proposed budget on November 18, 2025.

Adopted Budget

The 2026 Municipal Budget was deemed adopted as of January 14, 2026 following the end of the legislative process. To request an accessible version, please contact the Clerk at clerk@southhuron.ca.

Project Approval

As set out in Section 284.16 of the Municipal Act the powers and duties of a municipality with respect to proposing and adopting a budget are assigned to the Head of Council. O. Reg 530/22 provides that on or before February 1 of each year the Head of Council must prepare and propose a budget to Council for consideration. The authority to prepare and propose the budget rests solely with the Head of Council, and the authority cannot be delegated to Council or staff.

No By-Law or Resolution is required to approve the Budget. The Budget is deemed adopted following the end of the legislative process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there two property tax rates - rural and urban - in South Huron?

The two general tax rates were established at amalgamation (2001) after councils at the time agreed to share policing costs 55% urban and 45% rural.

Documents and Reports

Mayoral Directive MDI-02-2025

Staff Memo CL-MEMO-08-2025

Budget Flow Chart

Mayoral Decision MDE04-2025 - Veto of Budget Amendment

Additional related reports and documents, including proposed Councillor amendments, can be found by clicking on the meeting links at the top of the page.