The Aurora Town Council formally adopted the Town of Aurora’s 2026 Operating Budget and 10‑Year Capital Plan in early December 2025. The approved municipal tax‑levy increase for 2026 is 2.2 per cent — lower than the 2.9 per cent that was forecast in last year’s multi‑year plan. For an average home assessed at $800,000, the town’s portion of the tax bill will increase by approximately $56.94 for the year.
The 2026 Operating Budget totals $131.7 million, and the 10‑year capital plan allocates $67.8 million in capital spending for 2026. The budget focuses spending on core infrastructure priorities such as road rehabilitation, water and wastewater systems, and stormwater management, and it includes a temporary hiring freeze with no new staff positions added for 2026. Mayor Tom Mrakas has described the plan as “The People’s Budget,” saying it targets community needs while limiting discretionary spending. The 2.2 per cent levy is composed of 0.6 per cent for Town operations, 0.6 per cent for Central York Fire Services, and a 1.0 per cent contribution to capital reserves to fund long‑term infrastructure renewal.
Central York Fire Services (CYFS) receives a dedicated 0.6 per cent portion of the tax‑levy increase to maintain regional fire protection. During budget deliberations, Council passed an amendment proposing to pause funding for the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame until audited financial statements were produced; however, the mayor used his veto power on that amendment and the pause did not take effect.
The 2026 budget is the final year of Aurora’s 2024–2026 multi‑year budgeting cycle. While the town succeeded in reducing the anticipated 2026 increase from 2.9 per cent to 2.2 per cent, officials continue to highlight an ongoing infrastructure funding gap for aging buildings, roads and other assets. The 1.0 per cent capital reserve contribution is part of a longer‑term strategy to build reserves for future repairs and avoid large, sudden tax increases down the road.
