Town officials say more than half of the 2026 tax increase is tied to retroactive policing costs mandated through the courts.
Councillors in Tillsonburg have officially adopted its 2026 municipal budget, approving a 3.64 per cent increase to the Town portion of the property tax rate.
For the average Tillsonburg home assessed at $243,000, the increase amounts to about $22.36 per quarter, or $89.42 for the year. Council approved the $43.5-million budget last week.
The first two tax installments for 2026, due February 27th and May 29th, will be issued as interim bills based on 2025 tax levels. The final two installments, due August 31st and October 30th, will reflect the updated 2026 tax rate.
Residents enrolled in the Town’s pre-authorized payment plan will also see the increase later in the year. Monthly withdrawals from January through July are based on last year’s taxes, with payments adjusted in August to reflect the approved 2026 rate. Withdrawals continue through October, with no payments taken in November or December.
For homeowners who pay property taxes through their mortgage, any change to monthly withdrawals will be determined by their lender. The Town notes lenders calculate those adjustments independently to ensure sufficient funds are collected to cover the tax bill.
“When it comes to taxes, people mainly want to know what it means for their household and when they’ll see it,” Mayor Deb Gilvesy said. “Council knows any increase matters to residents, and we want people to understand when it will appear on their tax bill.”
Town officials say more than half of the 2026 tax increase is tied to retroactive policing costs mandated through the courts, an expense outside municipal control. Despite those pressures, council notes the overall increase for 2026 is lower than the previous year.
