Lanark County council approved the 2026 budget with a 4.2% levy, for a total levy of $46,982,237.
It passed Wednesday following a special corporate services meeting November 21st, where Warden Richard Kidd reflected on the two plus hour discussion.
The largest budget increase from 2024 is going to Lanark County Paramedic Service by nearly $910,000 with roughly two-thirds of that salary-based.
LCPS Chief Travis Mellema has stressed the importance of adding to their management ranks, which was an issue highlighted during the creation of their 10-year Master Plan. In his report, Mellema said the LCPS have a 20 to 1 superintendent support to frontline ratio, the lowest throughout Eastern Ontario.
Director of Social Services Emily Hollington recently reflected on the struggle local communities are having with housing pressure, and the rise of vagrancy during her 2026 budget presentation.
Social Services received a $259,000 increase to their budget.
The full breakdown, including the 2026 allocations are below:
Lanark County Paramedic Services
+$908,633 from 2024 ($14,480,064)
Emergency Services
+$660,529 ($10,712,100)
Public Works
+$95,695 ($17,093,96)
Social Services
+$ 259,000 ($8,677,061)
Long-Term Care
+$ 42,511 ($1,778,340)
Economic Development
+$ 55,150 ($872,400)
Administration
+$316,496 ($2,818,783)
Story by Grant Deme
