Kingston's 2026 Budget: Property Taxes and Spending on the Rise
Kingston mayor Steve Noble has proposed a budget of $63.3 million for 2026, representing a 5.745% increase in spending.
“So in 2026, we’re proposing a budget that’s $63.3 million—an overall increase in spending of 5.745%,”
The proposed budget includes a jump in property taxes, with the homestead property tax rate increasing from $9.87 to $10.78 per $1,000 of assessed value, and the commercial property tax rate rising from $15.12 to $16.78 per $1,000 of assessed value.
- Homestead property tax rate: $9.87 to $10.78 per $1,000 of assessed value
- Commercial property tax rate: $15.12 to $16.78 per $1,000 of assessed value
Using a $185,000 property assessment as a benchmark, homeowners can expect to pay an additional $224 per year. The mayor cited financial stressors and employee benefit increases as contributing factors, as well as a decline in sales tax revenue.
“Financial stressors and employee benefit increases we experienced in 2025 have not lessened,”
Sales tax revenue was $20.3 million in 2025, while real property taxes brought in $19.6 million. The budget is currently under consideration by the Common Council.
Author's summary: Kingston's 2026 budget proposes tax increases and spending growth.