Cambridge budget adopted, mayor does not veto any amendments

The City of Cambridge’s budget for 2026 was adopted because the mayor chose not to veto any of the amendments put forward by councillors.

In a statement from the city, Mayor Jan Liggett says, “As we move forward with the implementation of this Budget, my commitment and our collective commitment remain the same – to work collaboratively, to be fiscally responsible, and to focus on delivering the services and quality of life our community expects.”

As a strong mayor budget, Liggett had the option to veto the 13-councillor amendments made, and council, in turn, could veto her vetoes with a two-thirds majority vote.

But now, the financial plan has been adopted under Ontario’s Budget legislation, including all the amendments.

“I am choosing not to veto Council’s amendments to this Budget, and I am choosing to have the amendments stand as they were made and voted on throughout this process,” Liggett said.

Cambridge residents next year will pay a property tax increase of 2.44 per cent over this year, and a water utility budget rate increase of 4.21 per cent.

The strong mayor budget process caused frustration and confusion within council.

Councillor Mike Devine went so far as to say, “What’s been done here is wrong. This should not happen, and it should never happen again.”