Golden Council approved the 2026 Budget and 2026–2030 Financial Plan, focusing on maintaining services, upgrading infrastructure, and planning for future growth.
The town’s Mayor Ron Oszust said rising costs and aging infrastructure are driving the need for long-term financial planning.
“As a Council, our responsibility is to make sure the services people depend on every day remain reliable. This budget allows us to keep up with rising costs, invest in critical infrastructure, and plan responsibly for the future, while continuing to deliver the services that support Golden’s quality of life.” said Oszust.
Continued investment in roads, sewer systems, and public facilities reduce future financial risk and support long‑term service reliability.
Major 2026 projects include work on the Well 7 building, sewer upgrades, road repairs, and the final phase of sewer camera inspections.
“This budget is about being proactive rather than reactive. Renewing infrastructure in a planned, deliberate way allows us to manage costs more predictably and reduce future financial and service delivery risks.” said Chief Administrative Officer Jeremy Denegar.
Recreation improvements planned for 2026 include four pickleball courts, two tennis courts at Keith King Memorial Park, upgrades at the Mount 7 Rec Plex, skate zone improvements, landscaping, and arena concession and lobby renovations.
The budget includes a ten per cent revenue increase, resulting in an estimated seven per cent property tax increase. That’s about $168 more per year, or roughly $14 per month for the average homeowner in Golden.
Residents also face an additional estimated three point three six per cent increase in taxes from other agencies, including school, police, and hospital district taxes.
The town is also finalizing its updated Development Cost Charges Bylaw and Official Community Plan to help guide future growth and development.
Public engagement played a major role in creating the 2026 Budget. Golden residents emphasized the importance of core infrastructure, essential services and responsible spending.
