Town of Bancroft Mayor Paul Jenkins and General Manager Andra Kauffeldt presented the 2026 draft budget to council yesterday – the first one prepared under strong mayor powers. This year the mayor worked with town staff to create the draft budget, whereas in past years staff have prepared the budget and presented it to council. Key highlights include a proposed one per cent net tax increase, which Kauffeldt said they are pleased with, considering financial pressures. The draft budget also proposes to more than double reserve contributions compared to last year, with $682,209 going into reserves across all departments. However, the draft budget projects that net taxation for this year will result in just under $7.5 million for the town.