Emo municipal council decides on 1.5 per cent property tax increase

By Liam Oliver Neilson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Source: Fort Frances Times

Emo residents will see municipal taxes rise by 1.5 per cent to prevent the general budget from falling short in 2026.

The town’s council voted at its Monday meeting to implement the increase as the lowest of three options that would keep the budget out of the red. 

“With a zero per cent increase, the budget has a shortfall of -$26,547,” Chief Administrative Officer Crystal Gray noted in a report to council.

“With a 1.5 per cent increase, the budget has a surplus of $358.93. With a two per cent increase, the budget has a surplus of $11,720.”

The municipality has two overarching budgets, one for capital expenditure and the other for general purposes. The general budget, which is affected by this increase, covers day-to-day expenses and revenues, including items such as municipal staff pay and daily maintenance. 

The 1.5 per cent increase will come into effect after the township’s final billing in June.