City presents $5.697 billion budget, prioritises sanitation, to crackdown on tax defaulters

The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown on Tuesday presented a $5.697 billion budget for 2026, outlining increased spending on waste management, enforcement and municipal services.

Finance Committee Chairman Lelon Saul, who presented the budget, said projected revenue stands at $4.4 billion, adding that the budget represents an increase from the $4.28 billion allocated in 2025.

He said nearly $1.2 billion has been allocated for solid waste management to address garbage issues across the capital. Human resources received $524 million to support staffing, while $603 million was set aside for the City Constabulary.

Saul also announced $50 million for rehabilitation works at the East Ruimveldt Market, with similar allocations expected for other municipal markets.

The council also intends to crack down on tax defaulters as part of efforts to improve compliance, transparency and revenue collection.

M&CC Finance Committee Chairman Lelon Saul