October 6, 2026
FREDERICTON, N.B. – Fairness, predictability, and oversight is what local leaders representing 60 municipalities across New Brunswick have voted to adopt through key resolutions at the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB) Annual General Meeting. Establishing a firm mandate for funding that meets municipal responsibilities.
Aligning local action with comprehensive system overhaul together, these resolutions form the core of UMNB’s advocacy agenda as provincial leaders continue to advocate for a comprehensive overhaul of the property tax framework. UMNB stands ready to partner with the Province on a modernized tax system that provides municipalities with predictable funding, transparent assessment tools, and the financial authority required to support local communities.
“Municipalities are on the front lines of serving residents, and our local tax structures must reflect that reality,” said Brittany Merrifield, UMNB President. “By passing these resolutions, our members have sent a clear message: achieving true fiscal reform requires accurate assessments, independent oversight, and fair revenue allocation.”
Delegates passed Resolution U-26-06, demanding enhanced oversight and verification mechanisms from Service New Brunswick regarding property assessments. Currently, industrial and non-residential properties have not seen assessment increases proportional to residential properties, resulting in lower tax contributions. The resolution urges the Province to implement external valuation reviews to eliminate valuation discrepancies, ensuring that provincial institutions and residential taxpayers are assessed accurately, fairly, and consistently.
As recommended by UMNB, a total of 11 resolutions were passed and one was defeated at this past weekend’s conference.
About the UMNB
The Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB) is a bilingual association of 60 local governments of all sizes, representing nearly 85% of New Brunswick’s population. Together, our members tackle local challenges and share solutions to make life better for their citizens.
Contact:
Alyson Samson – Communications Manager
alyson.samson@umnb.ca | 506-478-1695