Bracebridge Council considers adding 4 new full time staff positions

The total cost is nearly half a million dollars

Bracebridge Council agreed to considering 4 new full time staff positions in the upcoming 2026 budget, in the September 10,2025, Council meeting.

Staff recommended the following new permanent positions beginning in 2026:

• Senior Tax Administrator, costing $92,340
• Recreation Programmer, at $60,420
• Aquatics Lead Instructor, at $146,920 for 2 positions (or $73,460 each)
• Heritage Specialist, at $83,730

Staff reported, “The annual combined wage impact of adding the new positions in 2026 (net of the estimated cost reduction) is approximately $86,355. The amount equals to 0.45% of the Town’s general tax levy.”

They added, “Taking into account prior Council decisions through ratification of Motions…the accumulated net levy impact of staff considerations, including those received as part of this staff report, from the Mayor’s 2026 Municipal Budget and Business Plan is $447,385 or 2.1% of the Town’s 2025 general tax levy.”

Councillor, Archie Buie, expressed concerns about the added costs to the upcoming budget. He said, “Bringing on all of these positions is a major budget impact. That’s concerning.”

He suggested putting more consideration into the Town’s state before making decisions. He said, “We have to take a good look at our financial position before we approve all these positions.”

He also recommended that the CAO provide more information about the Town’s financial state and where they stand during budget time “so we can make more informed decisions.”

Councillor, Don Smith, agreed that it’s important to have a thorough perspective of their situation, especially heading into more challenging budgets and financial times.

Mayor, Rick Maloney, attributed the increase in positions as a sign of Town growth leading to greater demands in community services.

However, he agreed that “having a fulsome picture” about their situation “is imperative.”

He said, “Our decisions do have impacts,” however, expressed confidence that staff will provide a clear overview.