If approved later today Lloydminster residents are being asked to absorb a 4.08 per cent municipal tax increase under the City’s draft 2026 budget. The proposed rate is slightly higher than the 3.9 per cent increase previewed earlier this month.
Administration says the increase is driven by inflation, protective services spending and higher debt repayment costs. The budget also reflects lower revenue from fines, enforcement and reserve transfers.
What it means for the average homeowner
A 4.08 per cent increase would add roughly $95 to the annual tax bill for an average residential home assessed at about $300,000. The exact amount will vary depending on each property’s assessment value, which is updated annually.
How this compares to last year
Last year’s increase was 4.5 per cent, it eventually was reduced to 2.47 per cent when the by-law was passed in April of this year. The 4.08 percent proposed for 2026 is slightly lower but still reflects the same pressures: rising service costs, inflation and the need to maintain core programs.
What is driving the increase
Protective services account for three per cent of the 2026 tax pressure. Lloydminster Fire Rescue rises from $6.49 million to $8.40 million, while RCMP contract costs rise by about $249,000. Other drivers include higher debt repayment, reduced investment income and increased transfers to reserves.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers said during budget discussions that many of these pressures are unavoidable.
“We are dealing with a growing community and the cost of providing services continues to rise. We have to be realistic with the numbers in front of us.”
What still needs council approval
Council will debate the full operating and capital budgets this afternoon (Nov. 24 ). The mill rate is not officially set until spring, when assessment values are finalized and council passes the annual tax bylaw.
Read more: No, Lloydminster council has not approved a 3.9 per cent increase
