Photo courtesy
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Town of Brome Lake unveiled its 2025 budget at a public meeting on Dec. 16, where officials presented significant tax rate reductions aimed at softening the financial impact of a new triennial property assessment roll. While residential tax rates are set to drop sharply, some residents will still see an increase in their property tax bills due to rising property values and service costs.
The residential tax rate will fall from $0.615 to $0.42 per $100 of assessment, marking the most substantial reduction in years. Despite the drop, Brome Lake officials explained that property values, which increased by an average of 52.3 per cent, will drive up overall tax bills for many residents. “Even with a significant reduction in tax rates, we understand that some taxpayers will still face higher bills due to increased property values,” noted one official at the meeting. “We tried to strike a balance between limiting tax burdens and maintaining service quality.” The town’s non-residential and industrial property tax rates also saw significant reductions, with non-residential rates dropping from $1.65 to $1.27 and industrial rates falling from $2.07 to $1.68 per $100 of assessment. Owners of serviced vacant lots and properties with six or more housing units will similarly benefit from lower rates.
Mixed impact on residents’ tax bills
The new budget outlines that 39 per cent of taxpayers will see a decrease in their property tax bills, while 28 per cent will face increases of less than $200 per year. However, a third of taxpayers will see increases exceeding $200. Officials emphasized that properties with value increases below 46 per cent will generally experience reduced taxes. For example, an average home valued at $507,350 last year is now assessed at $772,700, a 52.3 per cent jump. The resulting tax increase for this example is about $170, bringing the annual total to $4,087 for homes with full services. Officials highlighted the unique challenge of reconciling higher property values with maintaining municipal revenues. “It’s important to explain that tax increases don’t rise at the same rate as property values,” one speaker said. “We’ve adjusted rates to minimize the impact, but some increase is unavoidable for homes seeing significant valuation hikes.”
Service tariffs up despite rate cuts
While property tax rates are down, several service tariffs are set to rise. Fees for sewage services will increase by $25 per housing unit, and waste management costs will rise by $27, bringing the total to $242. Water supply and septic tank charges will remain unchanged. Officials explained that rising costs for waste collection, especially given new contracts, made the increases necessary. “Costs for waste collection and treatment are increasing, and we had no choice but to adjust fees to reflect those realities,” officials explained during the meeting. The town’s debt service remains stable at just over $2.1 million, thanks to a slight reduction in outstanding debts and the ability to pay smaller projects directly without borrowing.
Budget breakdown: revenues and expenses
The town’s operating budget for 2025 will rise by 7.2 per cent, reaching $19.7 million. Operating revenues are projected to grow 7.1 per cent to $22.2 million. Town officials pointed out that tax revenues, which account for about 80 per cent of total income, remain the primary funding source. Public safety is a major expense, consuming 14 per cent of the town’s operating costs, largely due to a $270,000 increase in payments to the Sûreté du Québec (SQ). Officials noted that these costs now total approximately $2.7 million. Other significant budget changes include $392,000 for wage increases, including a new collective agreement for firefighters, $100,000 to address dust issues on gravel roads, a long-standing complaint from residents, $57,000 for updated software systems and new licenses to modernize municipal operations, and $89,000 allocated for the municipal election scheduled in 2025.
Major capital investments planned
Brome Lake’s three-year capital expenditure program calls for investments of $16 million in 2025, followed by $10.7 million in 2026 and $19.9 million in 2027. These projects aim to modernize infrastructure, improve recreation options, and address ongoing road issues. Key projects for 2025 include $7.9 million for the reconstruction of Fulford Road, $1.45 million for sidewalk construction in key areas, $2.5 million for repairs to various roads and paths, and $250,000 to construct new pickleball courts. “We are focusing on improving our infrastructure while adding value for our residents through new recreation projects,” said officials. “Fulford Road, in particular, is a major priority due to its condition and importance as a key route.” The capital program also allocates funding for trail repairs, municipal vehicles, and the development of Lions Park and Douglass Beach.
Responses to reporter questions
Town officials addressed reporters’ questions regarding affordability and service levels. When asked about rising tax burdens in light of soaring property valuations, one official explained, “We lowered tax rates as much as possible while balancing our need to fund essential services. We know it’s not perfect, but the new rates will still benefit a large segment of taxpayers.”
The issue of police service costs, now a significant portion of the town’s expenses, was also raised. Officials acknowledged frustrations over paying $2.7 million to the SQ while residents see limited on-the-ground presence. “It’s a provincial agreement we have little control over,” officials said, adding that they continue to press for improvements.
Looking ahead
The 2025 budget reflects Brome Lake’s efforts to balance financial prudence with increasing service demands. With property values on the rise, the town aims to reduce tax burdens where possible, while planning significant investments to modernize infrastructure and enhance recreational amenities. “Our goal is to build a strong, vibrant community that remains attractive to residents and newcomers alike,” officials concluded. “We’re confident that these investments will pay long-term dividends while ensuring quality services for all.” As residents prepare for the changes ahead, the town encourages feedback and engagement to ensure community needs continue to be met.