Questions · 11 so far
We read Asphodel-Norwood's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 55 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
+86%running the town office, 2019 to 2024
Asphodel-Norwood spent $766K on running the town office in 2019 and $1.4M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 2 of 55 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
$2,109,276net debt at December 31, 2024, up from $598,789 a year earlier
Net debt is what a township owes minus the money and money-owed-to-it that it holds. At the end of 2023 it was $598,789 (as restated). At the end of 2024 it was $2,109,276. The Township spent $2,655,204 on buildings, roads, water systems and equipment in 2024, against $1,723,203 of wear and tear (amortization) on what it already owned. Money owed to the Township by others (trade and other receivable) also fell, from $2,950,069 to $1,593,257.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$560,680deficit in 2024, against $343,904 in the statements' budget column
A deficit means spending was more than revenue. The audited statements show a 2024 deficit of $560,680. The budget column in the same statements shows a deficit of $343,904. Revenue came in $85,868 under budget (worked out by us from $8,341,294 against $8,427,162) and spending $130,908 over (worked out by us from $8,901,974 against $8,771,066). 'User charges' (fees for services) were $2,308,775 against a budget of $2,709,133. Among the spending lines, general government (administration) was $1,455,556 against $1,340,074, health services $437,783 against $363,140, and recreation and culture $1,366,953 against $1,235,650.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$3,374,127total reserves at December 31, 2024, down from $4,243,817
Reserves are money a township sets aside for future needs. Total reserves were $4,243,817 at the end of 2023 and $3,374,127 at the end of 2024, a fall of $869,690 (worked out by us). The biggest drops were Recreation facilities ($422,480 to $72,236), Building department ($620,557 to $409,266) and Fire ($459,576 to $296,554). The same note shows the Township's own operating position, before its capital assets, at a deficit of $923,944, against a deficit of $691,989 a year earlier.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$375,292medical centre capital not yet funded at December 31, 2024
The Township leased a 4,028-square-foot medical space that opened on March 7, 2024. The 2024 statements list "Medical centre capital" of $375,292 as an unfunded capital project, which the Township says will be paid from future property taxes and user fees. Spending on health services (which also includes the cemetery) was $437,783 in 2024 against $161,507 in 2023. The Township's 2026 budget names the new medical centre as one of its budget pressures, and the Township is asking residents and businesses to sponsor rooms.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$1,510,100landfill closure and post-closure obligation at December 31, 2024
The Township owns two landfill sites and says the one still operating was projected to close in 2025. Its estimate of the closure and 25 years of monitoring afterward was $1,510,100 at the end of 2024. The reserve set aside for the landfill site was $347,872 (down from $383,683). All asset retirement obligations ($2,279,570) are listed in the statements as unfunded. The 2026 budget slides name 'Landfill Closure' as a reason Environmental Services will cost more.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$117per home on council, 2024
Asphodel-Norwood spent about $117 per home on council in 2024. The typical similar town spent $62. Only 8 of 55 similar towns spent more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 1 source
Background that helps make sense of the rest.
$1,986.96Township share of tax on a $227,000 home in 2026, up from $1,827.46 in 2025
For a home assessed at $227,000, the Township's own share of the tax bill was $1,711.96 in 2024, $1,827.46 in 2025 and $1,986.96 in 2026. That is $275.00 (worked out by us) more over two years. The Township's slides give its reasons: the province froze assessment values, insurance and police costs rose, the new medical centre, inflation, replacing old assets and putting money aside for future equipment. The County and school board shares are not in these figures.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$470,000gravel pit closure obligation not previously recorded
The 2024 statements say the Township 'restated' (corrected) 2023 because the cost of closing and restoring its gravel pit was 'previously omitted in error'. The 2023 obligation total went from $1,781,770 to $2,251,770, the 2023 surplus from $2,630,484 to $2,606,984 and 2023 accumulated surplus from $40,974,691 to $40,951,191. The auditor's opinion on 2024 is clean.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
October 26, 2026election day; we did not find these documents on the pages we read
The Township says it posts its budgets and audited statements, and its election pages have a heading for candidates' financial statements. On October 7, 2026 we did not find a pay statement on the pages we read. The 2024 audited statements were approved on November 10, 2025, but we did not find 2025 statements on the budget and finance page. The election financial statements page shows the headings Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor under the words 'TO BE FILED', with nothing listed under them. We could not tell which election the page covers. The Township does post a conflict of interest registry that runs to August 25, 2026.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
−$2.1Mnet financial position, 2024
In 2019, Asphodel-Norwood had $1.3M more in cash and money owed to it than it owed to others. By 2024 it was −$2.1M. About 66% of that change ($2.3M) is a new accounting rule from 2023: towns must now record the future cost of closing things like a landfill. That is not new spending or borrowing. Even leaving that out, only 12 of 55 similar towns are in a weaker position.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
+86%running the town office, 2019 to 2024
Asphodel-Norwood spent $766K on running the town office in 2019 and $1.4M in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 2 of 55 similar towns had faster growth here.
| Year | Running the town office | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | +11% | +1% |
| 2021 | +21% | +4% |
| 2022 | +36% | +11% |
| 2023 | +42% | +16% |
| 2024 | +86% | +18% |
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
Money spent running the office is money not spent on roads, water or safety. When office costs grow much faster than the services people see, it is fair to ask what the extra money is buying.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Asphodel-Norwood? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Running the town office: 2019 $766K, 2020 $854K, 2021 $930K, 2022 $1.0M, 2023 $1.1M, 2024 $1.4M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Senior management, from $548K to $984K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Typical growth among similar towns: 42%. Asphodel-Norwood ranks 3rd of 56.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 55 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 · archived copy
$2,109,276net debt at December 31, 2024, up from $598,789 a year earlier
Net debt is what a township owes minus the money and money-owed-to-it that it holds. At the end of 2023 it was $598,789 (as restated). At the end of 2024 it was $2,109,276. The Township spent $2,655,204 on buildings, roads, water systems and equipment in 2024, against $1,723,203 of wear and tear (amortization) on what it already owned. Money owed to the Township by others (trade and other receivable) also fell, from $2,950,069 to $1,593,257.
Net debt shows how much of next year's money is already spoken for. A growing figure is not wrong by itself when a town is building, but residents are the ones who will pay it down.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Asphodel-Norwood? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Statement of financial position: "NET DEBT" (2,109,276) in 2024 and (598,789) in 2023 (restated). "Trade and other receivable" 1,593,257 in 2024 and 2,950,069 in 2023. "Cash and temporary investments" 2,549,816 and 2,577,207.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · PDF page 6 (printed page 1), Statement of Financial Position
Statement of change in net debt, 2024 actual: "Amortization of tangible capital assets" 1,723,203; "Purchase of tangible capital assets" (2,655,204); "CHANGE IN NET FINANCIAL ASSETS/(NET DEBT)" (1,492,681). The 2024 budget column shows purchases of (2,690,251).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · PDF page 8 (printed page 3), Statement of Change in Net Debt
Tangible capital assets, net book value: "Buildings" 12,960,137 in 2024 against 9,703,136 in 2023; "Assets under construction" 1,733,038 against 5,237,655.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · PDF page 21 (printed page 16), Note 13
$560,680deficit in 2024, against $343,904 in the statements' budget column
A deficit means spending was more than revenue. The audited statements show a 2024 deficit of $560,680. The budget column in the same statements shows a deficit of $343,904. Revenue came in $85,868 under budget (worked out by us from $8,341,294 against $8,427,162) and spending $130,908 over (worked out by us from $8,901,974 against $8,771,066). 'User charges' (fees for services) were $2,308,775 against a budget of $2,709,133. Among the spending lines, general government (administration) was $1,455,556 against $1,340,074, health services $437,783 against $363,140, and recreation and culture $1,366,953 against $1,235,650.
A budget is the promise made to taxpayers. A gap in the same direction on several lines is worth understanding, because the next budget starts from it.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Asphodel-Norwood? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Statement of operations, 2024: "TOTAL REVENUES" budget 8,427,162, actual 8,341,294. "User charges" budget 2,709,133, actual 2,308,775. "TOTAL EXPENSES" budget 8,771,066, actual 8,901,974. "General government" budget 1,340,074, actual 1,455,556. "Health services" budget 363,140, actual 437,783. "Recreation and cultural services" budget 1,235,650, actual 1,366,953. "ANNUAL SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)" budget (343,904), actual (560,680).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · PDF page 7 (printed page 2), Statement of Operations and Accumulated Surplus
Note 3, Budget figures: "Council approved budgeted surplus" is shown as "-"; adjustments listed are tangible capital asset additions 2,690,251, amortization (1,676,230), principal repayment of long term debt 57,143, principal repayments of internal debt 50,002 and transfers to/(from) reserves and reserve funds (1,465,070), giving "(343,904)".
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · PDF page 15 (printed page 10), Note 3
$3,374,127total reserves at December 31, 2024, down from $4,243,817
Reserves are money a township sets aside for future needs. Total reserves were $4,243,817 at the end of 2023 and $3,374,127 at the end of 2024, a fall of $869,690 (worked out by us). The biggest drops were Recreation facilities ($422,480 to $72,236), Building department ($620,557 to $409,266) and Fire ($459,576 to $296,554). The same note shows the Township's own operating position, before its capital assets, at a deficit of $923,944, against a deficit of $691,989 a year earlier.
Reserves are the cushion for a failed furnace, a fire truck or a bad year. When the cushion shrinks while the Township is also borrowing against future taxes, the next council has less room.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Asphodel-Norwood? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 14, accumulated surplus: "Total Reserves" 3,374,127 in 2024 and 4,243,817 in 2023. "Recreation facilities" 72,236 and 422,480. "Building department" 409,266 and 620,557. "Fire" 296,554 and 459,576. "Township" under Surplus/(Deficit) (923,944) and (691,989).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · PDF page 22 (printed page 17), Note 14(a)
2026 budget slide, Building: "Building Department is self-funded and surplus is allocated to reserves as per Ontario Building Code" and "$89,650 Transfer from Reserves required for net-zero impact to tax base".
2026 Municipal Operating and Capital Budgets Presentation · Building slide
$375,292medical centre capital not yet funded at December 31, 2024
The Township leased a 4,028-square-foot medical space that opened on March 7, 2024. The 2024 statements list "Medical centre capital" of $375,292 as an unfunded capital project, which the Township says will be paid from future property taxes and user fees. Spending on health services (which also includes the cemetery) was $437,783 in 2024 against $161,507 in 2023. The Township's 2026 budget names the new medical centre as one of its budget pressures, and the Township is asking residents and businesses to sponsor rooms.
Residents said health care was their top concern, and the Township chose to act. A new service that is paid for out of future taxes is a choice worth being able to see in numbers: what it costs each year and how much sponsors cover.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Asphodel-Norwood? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 14(b), unfunded capital projects "will be funded from future property taxation and user fees": "Medical centre capital" (375,292) in 2024 and nil in 2023. Statement of operations: "Health services" expenses 437,783 in 2024 (budget 363,140) and 161,507 in 2023.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · PDF page 23 (printed page 18), Note 14(b); PDF page 7, Statement of Operations
Note 22: "The health services function consists of the activities of contract services for local medical care and the operation of the Township's cemetery."
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · PDF page 27 (printed page 22), Note 22
The Township's medical centre page says the 4,028-square-foot space "officially opened on March 7, 2024", "was leased unfurnished", and invites sponsors, for example "Procedure Room (1) $70,000*" marked "Sponsorship Available".
Asphodel-Norwood Medical Centre page · Page text, opening paragraphs and Sponsorship Opportunities
2026 budget slide "Budget Pressures" lists "New Medical Centre" among MPAC freeze on assessment, increase to municipal insurance, estimated OPP policing cost increase, inflation, replacement of aging assets and reserve transfers. The slide for the medical centre lists "Medical Centre Growth" and "Annualized Staffing Hours".
2026 Municipal Operating and Capital Budgets Presentation · Budget Pressures slide; New Medical Centre slide
$1,510,100landfill closure and post-closure obligation at December 31, 2024
The Township owns two landfill sites and says the one still operating was projected to close in 2025. Its estimate of the closure and 25 years of monitoring afterward was $1,510,100 at the end of 2024. The reserve set aside for the landfill site was $347,872 (down from $383,683). All asset retirement obligations ($2,279,570) are listed in the statements as unfunded. The 2026 budget slides name 'Landfill Closure' as a reason Environmental Services will cost more.
Closing a landfill is a legal duty and monitoring continues for decades. How the Township plans to pay is something taxpayers can ask about before the bill comes due.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Asphodel-Norwood? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: Landfill closure cost estimate and funding plan, with wording you can copy.
Note 12: the one operational site "is projected to close in 2025"; costs estimated "for 25 years after the closure date using a discount rate of 4.38% and an inflation rate of 3%". Landfill post-closure "Closing balance" 1,510,100; total asset retirement obligation 2,279,570.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · PDF page 20 (printed page 15), Note 12
Note 14(c), waste collection and disposal reserves: "Landfill site" 347,872 in 2024 and 383,683 in 2023. Note 14(a): "Unfunded asset retirement obligations" (2,279,570).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · PDF page 23 (printed page 18), Note 14(c); PDF page 22, Note 14(a)
2026 budget slide, Environmental Services, Summary: "Landfill Closure".
2026 Municipal Operating and Capital Budgets Presentation · Environmental Services slide
$117per home on council, 2024
Asphodel-Norwood spent about $117 per home on council in 2024. The typical similar town spent $62. Only 8 of 55 similar towns spent more.
Spending more than neighbours is not wrong by itself. It might buy better service. But it is the first place to look for costs that could be lower, such as contracts that were not competitively bid.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Asphodel-Norwood? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Council per home: Asphodel-Norwood $117; typical similar town $62; ranked 9th highest of 56.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 55 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy
$1,986.96Township share of tax on a $227,000 home in 2026, up from $1,827.46 in 2025
For a home assessed at $227,000, the Township's own share of the tax bill was $1,711.96 in 2024, $1,827.46 in 2025 and $1,986.96 in 2026. That is $275.00 (worked out by us) more over two years. The Township's slides give its reasons: the province froze assessment values, insurance and police costs rose, the new medical centre, inflation, replacing old assets and putting money aside for future equipment. The County and school board shares are not in these figures.
Two increases this size in a row add up. The Township has published its reasons, so this is context, and the useful question is how much each reason contributed.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Asphodel-Norwood? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
2026 slide: "Residential Average Annual Cost", "Municipal Tax Portion $1,827.46 $1,986.96" (2025, 2026), "Based on $227,000.00 assessment". Headline callout "8.73 %" "Proposed Tax Rate Increase". "Budget Pressures": MPAC freeze on assessment, increase to municipal insurance, estimated OPP policing cost increase, new medical centre, inflation, replacement of aging assets, reserve transfers for future equipment purchases.
2026 Municipal Operating and Capital Budgets Presentation · Budget Pressures and Budget Highlights slides
2025 slide: "Municipal Tax Portion $1,711.96 $1,827.46" (2024, 2025) "Based on $227,000.00 assessment". Headline callout "6.75 %" "Proposed Tax Rate Increase". Budget pressures include "16% increase to Municipal Insurance" and "OPP Policing cost increase".
2025 Municipal Operating and Capital Budgets Presentation · Budget Pressures and Budget Highlights slides
$470,000gravel pit closure obligation not previously recorded
The 2024 statements say the Township 'restated' (corrected) 2023 because the cost of closing and restoring its gravel pit was 'previously omitted in error'. The 2023 obligation total went from $1,781,770 to $2,251,770, the 2023 surplus from $2,630,484 to $2,606,984 and 2023 accumulated surplus from $40,974,691 to $40,951,191. The auditor's opinion on 2024 is clean.
An obligation the Township owes should be on the books. It was found and fixed, which is how it should work. The question is whether other obligations could have been missed and what changed in the checks.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Asphodel-Norwood? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 21, Prior period restatement: "previously omitted in error". "Asset retirement obligation as previously recorded $ 1,781,770", "Asset retirement obligations not previously recorded 470,000", "Closing 2023 asset retirement obligation as restated $ 2,251,770". Annual surplus "as previously stated $ 2,630,484", "as restated $ 2,606,984"; accumulated surplus "as previously stated 40,974,691", "as restated $ 40,951,191".
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · PDF page 26 (printed page 21), Note 21
Independent auditor's report, Opinion: "present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Township as at December 31, 2024". Report dated November 10, 2025.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · PDF page 4, Independent Auditor's Report; PDF page 5 (date)
October 26, 2026election day; we did not find these documents on the pages we read
The Township says it posts its budgets and audited statements, and its election pages have a heading for candidates' financial statements. On October 7, 2026 we did not find a pay statement on the pages we read. The 2024 audited statements were approved on November 10, 2025, but we did not find 2025 statements on the budget and finance page. The election financial statements page shows the headings Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor under the words 'TO BE FILED', with nothing listed under them. We could not tell which election the page covers. The Township does post a conflict of interest registry that runs to August 25, 2026.
With the election on October 26, 2026, voters may want to see what current members were paid and how past campaigns were funded. These may be posted somewhere we did not look.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Asphodel-Norwood? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: Council pay and expenses statements for 2023, 2024 and 2025, with wording you can copy.
The Township's election "Financial Statements" page shows "TO BE FILED" followed by the headings "Mayor", "Deputy Mayor" and "Councillor", with nothing listed.
Municipal Elections: Financial Statements page · Page text
The 2024 audited statements carry a management report dated "November 10, 2025".
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · PDF page 3, Management Report
−$2.1Mnet financial position, 2024
In 2019, Asphodel-Norwood had $1.3M more in cash and money owed to it than it owed to others. By 2024 it was −$2.1M. About 66% of that change ($2.3M) is a new accounting rule from 2023: towns must now record the future cost of closing things like a landfill. That is not new spending or borrowing. Even leaving that out, only 12 of 55 similar towns are in a weaker position.
| Year | Net financial position |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $1.3M |
| 2020 | $2.2M |
| 2021 | $2.7M |
| 2022 | $2.2M |
| 2023 | −$129K |
| 2024 | −$2.1M |
This number is one of the clearest signs of whether a town is living within its means. The accounting-rule part is a bill that will come due when the landfill closes, not money already spent. The rest is real borrowing and spending of savings.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Asphodel-Norwood? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Net financial assets: 2019 $1.3M, 2020 $2.2M, 2021 $2.7M, 2022 $2.2M, 2023 −$129K, 2024 −$2.1M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 70, line 9945 · archived copy
Future landfill and similar closing costs recorded: $2.3M. Long-term debt: $1.2M. Temporary loans: $0.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 70, lines 2920, 2699, 2099 · archived copy