Not the full picture. Built from public records, which leave things out.Read by hand, Oct 2026DetailsThis is built from public records, which leave a lot out, and some of it may be wrong or out of date. Check the sources, and tell us if you spot a mistake. What this site can't tell you Read by hand. We read Georgina's own documents for this site in October 2026; the Sources page lists which ones. The comparisons with other places still come from the Province's yearly reports.
Questions · 16 so far
Things worth asking about
We read Georgina's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 11 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
What these are, and what they are not. A question here means a number or practice is unusual, or harder to see than it should be. It does not mean anyone did anything wrong. Most unusual numbers turn out to have ordinary explanations, and every question lists some. The only way to know is to ask.
Worth asking
Worth asking
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
-$13,590,678balance of the Civic Centre reserve at December 31, 2025, against -$8,570,477 a year earlier
The Town is building a new Civic Centre. A reserve is a savings account a town sets aside for a purpose. The Civic Centre reserve was created for this project, but it holds a negative balance: the Town has spent more than it has saved and is covering the gap by borrowing from its other reserves. The 2025 statements show the reserve at negative $13,590,678, down from negative $8,570,477 a year earlier. The Town has published its plan: a $20,000,000 loan taken on in 2026, plus a yearly reserve payment of $3,473 thousand until the borrowing is repaid. It says the project is on budget and will not need extra tax increases.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 6 sources
$46,160,588net debt at December 31, 2025, up from $23,414,795 a year earlier
Net debt is what a town owes minus the financial assets (cash, investments and money owed to it) it holds. It grew by $22,745,793 in one year, after growing by $12,143,712 in 2024. The statements show why: the Town spent $49,253,395 on buildings, roads and pipes, far more than the $17,888,554 those assets lost in value that year, and it took on a $20,000,000 short-term loan. The Town's own discussion says a capital funding deficit of $8,099,633 includes borrowing from reserves and projects still to be paid for with long-term loans. Another line in the statements shows an "operating surplus (deficit)" of negative $27,977,864, against a positive $838,722 a year earlier.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
$18,193,460property taxes receivable at December 31, 2025, against $12,587,065 a year earlier
Taxes receivable is the property tax that has been billed but not yet paid. At the end of 2025 it stood at $18,193,460 before an allowance for bad debts, up from $12,587,065. Taxes from earlier years that were still unpaid (arrears) rose from $4,308,619 to $6,172,107. The cash flow statement shows $5,561,786 of cash tied up in taxes receivable in 2025, against $1,849,509 in 2024. Interest and penalties on late payments also rose, from $1,868,314 to $3,571,669. The percentages are worked out by us. We did not find the Town's explanation of the rise in the documents we read.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$53,861,573salaries and wages in 2025, up from $48,560,511
Salaries and wages were $53,861,573 in 2025, up from $48,560,511 in 2024 (up 10.9%, worked out by us). The Town explains the $5.3 million rise: cost of living and collective agreement increases, retroactive payments through collective agreements, and growth-related staffing. The 2026 budget book counts permanent full-time Town staff at 267 in 2022 and 309 in 2026, and all permanent Town staff (full and part time) at 297 and 345. The 2026 budget adds more positions, most of them funded from assessment growth.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$49,832,676of long-term debt expected to be repaid from development charges at December 31, 2025
Development charges are fees a town collects from builders to help pay for the roads, pipes and buildings that new homes need. Of the Town's $65,131,094 of long-term debt, $49,832,676 is expected to be repaid from development charges, mostly the Multi-use Recreation Complex loan. In 2025 the Town collected $3,974,979 in development charges, down from $7,273,943 in 2024, and the development charge reserve fell from $24,192,914 to $22,411,196. The 2026 budget plans a further $15,300,000 loan for the South Keswick Fire Station, also to be repaid from development charges. The Town explains that developer money is counted as revenue only when the work is done.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
In 2025, Georgina collected $5.1M more in its own property tax than in 2024. That is a 9% jump, while prices went up about 2.1%. Only 2 of 11 similar towns raised theirs by more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
Georgina spent $9.0M on running the town office in 2019 and $15.7M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 1 of 11 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
Georgina spent $6.7M on roads and snow in 2019 and $11.8M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 0 of 11 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Georgina had $52.9M saved at the end of 2025, up from $46.1M in 2019. That is 62% of one year's spending. Only 1 of 11 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
At the end of 2025, $17.9M of property tax had been billed but not paid. That is 15% of everything billed. None of the 11 similar towns had a higher share. A year earlier it was $12.3M.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
$7,277,203annual surplus in 2025, against $15,070,111 budgeted in the statements
A surplus is what is left when a year's revenue is more than its spending. Budgets and audited statements are built on different bases, so the numbers do not line up neatly; the Town's note 3 reconciles the $212,141,511 Council approved to the figures in the statements. For 2025 the statements budgeted a surplus of $15,070,111 and report $7,277,203. For 2024 they budgeted $5,188,482 and report $2,150,377. The Town explains the main gaps line by line. It also reports an operating budget surplus of $405,048, which it says is 0.50 per cent of the gross operating tax levy budget.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
$29,645,271trade payables and accruals at December 31, 2025, against $19,942,928 a year earlier
Accounts payable are bills the Town has received or knows about and has not yet paid. At the end of 2025 the total was $36,574,444, up from $23,679,724. Trade payables and accruals, the largest piece, rose from $19,942,928 to $29,645,271. The cash flow statement shows that this rise, $12,894,720, was a large source of cash from operations in 2025. We did not find an explanation in the statements.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
In 2019, Georgina had $19.8M more in cash and money owed to it than it owed to others. By 2025 it was −$46.2M. About 1% of that change ($428K) 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 2 of 11 similar towns are in a weaker position.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
-$13,590,678balance of the Civic Centre reserve at December 31, 2025, against -$8,570,477 a year earlier
The Town is building a new Civic Centre. A reserve is a savings account a town sets aside for a purpose. The Civic Centre reserve was created for this project, but it holds a negative balance: the Town has spent more than it has saved and is covering the gap by borrowing from its other reserves. The 2025 statements show the reserve at negative $13,590,678, down from negative $8,570,477 a year earlier. The Town has published its plan: a $20,000,000 loan taken on in 2026, plus a yearly reserve payment of $3,473 thousand until the borrowing is repaid. It says the project is on budget and will not need extra tax increases.
Why it matters
The new building is the biggest single project the Town has taken on. Money borrowed from its own reserves is money that is not there for roads, buildings or equipment until it is paid back. Residents should be able to see the final cost and the repayment plan in one place.
It could be because…
Borrowing from reserves is a planned way to pay for a building that will be paid back over about 13.5 years, and the Town says so in its budget.
The reserve is meant to start negative, because the building is paid for before the savings are made.
The Town says the project is on budget and on track, so the gap may be the plan working as intended.
Questions you could ask
What is the final cost of the Replacement Civic Centre, and how does it compare with the $54.1M budget approved by Council?
How much of the other reserves has been borrowed for the project, and when will each be paid back?
The loan came in at 3.99%, against the 3.95% estimate in the 2026 budget. Does the repayment plan still hold with the actual rate?
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Funding for the Replacement Civic Centre "comes from a combination of a short-term debenture and internal borrowings against Town reserves." The project is "expected to be fully repaid within 13.5 years of the completed Replacement Civic Centre building with no additional tax increases related to the new building in future budgets." The page also says "The project remains on budget and on track."
The overall project budget was approved by Council at $54.1M. The carry-forward capital table lists the Replacement Civic Centre with an approved cost of 54,106,000.
2025 Georgina Budget · Replacement Civic Centre, PDF page 23; carry-forward capital projects table, PDF page 52
Note 20, Accumulated surplus: reserve "Civic centre" (13,590,678) at the end of 2025 and (8,570,477) at the end of 2024.
Note 19: a multi-year contract to build the replacement Civic Centre has a total purchase commitment of $41,850,000, of which $3,521,043 (2024 - $27,459,891) has not been expended.
Internal borrowing schedule ('000): projected opening balance for 2026 (23,485), annual contribution 3,473, debenture proceeds 20,000, interest estimated at 3.95%. The list of debentures shows Civic Centre, requested 2023, estimated 2026, $ 20,000,000, 10 years, 3.95%, annualized repayments $ 2,460,000, funded by the tax levy.
2026 Georgina Budget · Internal borrowing schedule, PDF page 54; debenture list, PDF page 481
Note 13: the short-term loan of $20,000,000 "transferred to long-term debt in 2026, bearing interest at 3.99% per annum, interest and principal is repayable in semi-annual installments of $1,222,544 and matures May 1, 2036."
$46,160,588net debt at December 31, 2025, up from $23,414,795 a year earlier
Net debt is what a town owes minus the financial assets (cash, investments and money owed to it) it holds. It grew by $22,745,793 in one year, after growing by $12,143,712 in 2024. The statements show why: the Town spent $49,253,395 on buildings, roads and pipes, far more than the $17,888,554 those assets lost in value that year, and it took on a $20,000,000 short-term loan. The Town's own discussion says a capital funding deficit of $8,099,633 includes borrowing from reserves and projects still to be paid for with long-term loans. Another line in the statements shows an "operating surplus (deficit)" of negative $27,977,864, against a positive $838,722 a year earlier.
Why it matters
A town in a growth stretch usually builds first and collects later, and some of this is expected. But a net debt that doubled in a year, after rising the year before, is worth following. It tells residents how much of tomorrow's budget is already spoken for.
It could be because…
Growing towns often build roads, water systems and a civic building before the growth pays for them, so net debt rises first and falls later.
The $20,000,000 short-term loan was turned into a ten-year loan in 2026, so it is a planned step and not a surprise.
The negative operating line may be an accounting result of the loan and internal borrowing, not a cash shortfall: the Town says the capital deficit includes internal borrowings from reserves.
Questions you could ask
What does the Town expect net debt to be at the end of 2026 and 2027, and when does it expect it to start falling?
Which of the 2025 projects are still waiting to be paid for with long-term loans, and for how much?
Does the Town expect the "operating surplus (deficit)" line to return to positive, and when?
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Debt: "Net debt, end of year" $ (46,160,588) in 2025 and $ (23,414,795) in 2024 (and (11,271,083) at the start of 2024). "Change in net debt" (22,745,793) in 2025 and (12,143,712) in 2024. "Acquisition of tangible capital assets" (49,253,395) in 2025 and (31,645,141) in 2024. "Amortization of tangible capital assets" 17,888,554 in 2025.
Note 20: under Surplus (deficit), "Operating surplus (deficit)" (27,977,864) in 2025 and 838,722 in 2024; "Invested in tangible capital assets" 478,118,051; "Less amount financed by long-term debt (note 17)" (65,131,094).
"The 2025 Capital funding balance reflects a deficit of $8,099,633. This deficit includes internal borrowings from reserves, and projects to be debentured once completed." The page also says "The 2025 annual operating surplus arising through budget variances is $405,048."
Note 13: in 2025 the Town entered a short-term financing agreement with Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation through the Regional Municipality of York for Civic Centre construction costs; "The amount of short-term borrowing at December 31, 2025 is $20,000,000 (December 31, 2024 - nil)."
$18,193,460property taxes receivable at December 31, 2025, against $12,587,065 a year earlier
Taxes receivable is the property tax that has been billed but not yet paid. At the end of 2025 it stood at $18,193,460 before an allowance for bad debts, up from $12,587,065. Taxes from earlier years that were still unpaid (arrears) rose from $4,308,619 to $6,172,107. The cash flow statement shows $5,561,786 of cash tied up in taxes receivable in 2025, against $1,849,509 in 2024. Interest and penalties on late payments also rose, from $1,868,314 to $3,571,669. The percentages are worked out by us. We did not find the Town's explanation of the rise in the documents we read.
Why it matters
Property tax pays for most of what a town does. When more of it is unpaid, the Town either waits for cash or borrows. A rise this large is a signal worth a plain answer: is it timing, a few big accounts, or more households and businesses falling behind?
It could be because…
Billing dates or due dates in late 2025 may have moved, so more of the current-year bill was still open on December 31.
A few large accounts, for example new business properties, may account for much of the rise.
Taxation revenue itself grew by $5.1 million, which the Town attributes to growth, so a larger balance owed is partly a larger bill.
Higher interest and penalty revenue can simply be the Town's normal charge on late payments.
Questions you could ask
What explains the rise in taxes receivable in 2025, and how much of the $6,172,107 in arrears has been collected since December 31, 2025?
How many properties are in tax arrears, and is that number rising?
Is the $312,804 allowance for bad debts still enough?
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Statement of Operations: "Property taxation" $ 63,575,928 in 2025 (2024 - 58,468,731); "Fines, penalties and interest" 3,571,669 in 2025 (2024 - 1,868,314), against a budget of 2,775,000.
Management discussion: "Taxation increased $5.1 million in 2025 largely attributable to assessment base growth through new homes, as well as the new business park on Woodbine Ave., and our dedicated infrastructure levy."
$53,861,573salaries and wages in 2025, up from $48,560,511
Salaries and wages were $53,861,573 in 2025, up from $48,560,511 in 2024 (up 10.9%, worked out by us). The Town explains the $5.3 million rise: cost of living and collective agreement increases, retroactive payments through collective agreements, and growth-related staffing. The 2026 budget book counts permanent full-time Town staff at 267 in 2022 and 309 in 2026, and all permanent Town staff (full and part time) at 297 and 345. The 2026 budget adds more positions, most of them funded from assessment growth.
Why it matters
Pay is the biggest cost of running a town. Growth in a town of this size usually needs more staff, and the Town has said so. The question is how much of the rise will repeat each year, and how much was a one-time catch-up payment.
It could be because…
Retroactive payments under new collective agreements are one-time, so 2026 may not rise as fast.
More homes and a bigger town need more staff to keep services at the same level.
Some of the new positions are paid by assessment growth (new taxpayers) and not by raising rates on existing ones.
Questions you could ask
How much of the 2025 rise was one-time retroactive pay, and how much will repeat in 2026 and later years?
Does the Town publish a plan for how many staff it needs as the population grows?
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
"The Town saw an increase of $5.3 million in salaries and wages, driven by cost of living and collective agreement increases, retroactive payments through collective agreements, and growth related staffing increases to maintain service levels."
2026 Staffing complement (2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022): Total Town Permanent Full Time 309, 301, 291, 287, 267. Total Town 345, 337, 328, 324, 297. Total Town and Library 381, 372, 363, 360, 324.
$49,832,676of long-term debt expected to be repaid from development charges at December 31, 2025
Development charges are fees a town collects from builders to help pay for the roads, pipes and buildings that new homes need. Of the Town's $65,131,094 of long-term debt, $49,832,676 is expected to be repaid from development charges, mostly the Multi-use Recreation Complex loan. In 2025 the Town collected $3,974,979 in development charges, down from $7,273,943 in 2024, and the development charge reserve fell from $24,192,914 to $22,411,196. The 2026 budget plans a further $15,300,000 loan for the South Keswick Fire Station, also to be repaid from development charges. The Town explains that developer money is counted as revenue only when the work is done.
Why it matters
If the Town borrows against fees that builders have not yet paid, the debt is only safe if building continues at the pace the Town expects. If it does not, the gap falls on the tax levy or other reserves.
It could be because…
Collections swing from year to year with the timing of building permits, so one lower year does not make a trend.
The Town said in its 2025 report that it is not counting developer money as revenue until the work is performed, which is why the revenue figure was far below budget.
Questions you could ask
What development charge collections does the Town expect in 2026 and 2027, and how do they compare with the $3,373,226 a year owed on the recreation complex loan alone (worked out by us: two instalments of $1,686,613)?
If collections fall short of loan payments, which reserve or tax pays the difference?
Why did 2025 collections fall by about 45% from 2024 (worked out by us)?
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Note 17: of the long-term debt of $65,131,094 (2024 - $68,980,182), principal is expected to be recovered from future revenue: water/wastewater user charges $7,729,596 (2024 - $9,737,522) and development charges 49,832,676 (2024 - 51,146,154), a total of 57,562,272 (2024 - 60,883,676).
Table 3, 2025 revenue variances: "Developer contributions earned" budget 13,074,780, actual 2,982,247, variance (10,092,533), explained as "Developer funding is not recognized as revenue until the work is performed."
New capital projects with requested debentures: South Keswick Firehall, requested 2026, estimated 2028, $ 15,300,000, 20 years, 4.70%, annual repayment $ 1,196,700, funding source Development charges.
2026 Georgina Budget · Debentures for new capital projects, PDF page 481 (printed page 480)
In 2025, Georgina collected $5.1M more in its own property tax than in 2024. That is a 9% jump, while prices went up about 2.1%. Only 2 of 11 similar towns raised theirs by more.
Why did Georgina's property tax go up 9% in 2025?
$0$20M$40M$60M$80M
$63.6M
2019202020212022202320242025
Show as a table
Year
Town property tax
2019
$45.5M
2020
$47.5M
2021
$49M
2022
$50M
2023
$54.1M
2024
$58.5M
2025
$63.6M
Why it matters
A big one-year jump usually means something changed: a new cost, a service that grew, savings being rebuilt, or a problem from earlier years being paid for now. Residents should be able to see exactly which. Spread across every home, it is about $267 more each year.
It could be because…
Costs the town cannot control went up, such as policing, insurance or county charges.
The town kept taxes too low in earlier years and is catching up.
The town is rebuilding savings or paying for a big project like a bridge or equipment.
Questions you could ask
What were the three biggest reasons for the 2025 increase, in dollars?
Is a similar increase planned for next year?
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Town property tax: $58,468,731 in 2024, $63,575,928 in 2025.
Georgina spent $9.0M on running the town office in 2019 and $15.7M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 1 of 11 similar towns had faster growth here.
Why did the cost of running the town office grow 75% in 6 years?
Running the town office
Prices (inflation)
−20%+0%+20%+40%+60%+80%
+75%
2019202020212022202320242025
Show as a table
Year
Running the town office
Prices (inflation)
2019
+0%
+0%
2020
−1%
+1%
2021
+14%
+4%
2022
+37%
+11%
2023
+40%
+16%
2024
+53%
+18%
2025
+75%
+21%
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
Why it matters
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.
It could be because…
The town added a service, a building or staff that residents asked for.
Costs were moved from another area, so the total did not really change.
Accounting rules changed how costs are sorted.
Large one-time costs, like a study, lawsuit or repair, landed in one year.
Questions you could ask
What did the extra $6.7M a year pay for?
Why did office and administration go from $8.5M to $14.4M?
Was each increase approved by council as a separate decision, or did it happen through the yearly budget?
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Running the town office: 2019 $9.0M, 2020 $8.9M, 2021 $10.2M, 2022 $12.3M, 2023 $12.6M, 2024 $13.7M, 2025 $15.7M.
Georgina spent $6.7M on roads and snow in 2019 and $11.8M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 0 of 11 similar towns had faster growth here.
Why did the cost of roads and snow grow 75% in 6 years?
Roads and snow
Prices (inflation)
−20%+0%+20%+40%+60%+80%
+75%
2019202020212022202320242025
Show as a table
Year
Roads and snow
Prices (inflation)
2019
+0%
+0%
2020
−5%
+1%
2021
+3%
+4%
2022
+29%
+11%
2023
+35%
+16%
2024
+48%
+18%
2025
+75%
+21%
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
Why it matters
When one area grows much faster than prices, it is either doing more (which may be great) or paying more for the same thing. Residents deserve to know which.
It could be because…
The town added a service, a building or staff that residents asked for.
Costs were moved from another area, so the total did not really change.
Accounting rules changed how costs are sorted.
Large one-time costs, like a study, lawsuit or repair, landed in one year.
Questions you could ask
What did the extra $5.1M a year pay for?
Why did paved roads go from $966K to $3.5M?
Was each increase approved by council as a separate decision, or did it happen through the yearly budget?
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Georgina spent $11.5M on police, fire and safety in 2019 and $18M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
Why did the cost of police, fire and safety grow 56% in 6 years?
Police, fire and safety
Prices (inflation)
+0%+20%+40%+60%
+56%
2019202020212022202320242025
Show as a table
Year
Police, fire and safety
Prices (inflation)
2019
+0%
+0%
2020
+23%
+1%
2021
+17%
+4%
2022
+24%
+11%
2023
+25%
+16%
2024
+31%
+18%
2025
+56%
+21%
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
Why it matters
When one area grows much faster than prices, it is either doing more (which may be great) or paying more for the same thing. Residents deserve to know which.
It could be because…
The town added a service, a building or staff that residents asked for.
Costs were moved from another area, so the total did not really change.
Accounting rules changed how costs are sorted.
Large one-time costs, like a study, lawsuit or repair, landed in one year.
Questions you could ask
What did the extra $6.4M a year pay for?
Why did fire department go from $7.7M to $11.2M?
Was each increase approved by council as a separate decision, or did it happen through the yearly budget?
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Police, fire and safety: 2019 $11.5M, 2020 $14.1M, 2021 $13.5M, 2022 $14.3M, 2023 $14.4M, 2024 $15.1M, 2025 $18M.
Georgina spent $6.3M on water, sewers and garbage in 2019 and $11.7M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
Why did the cost of water, sewers and garbage grow 85% in 6 years?
Water, sewers and garbage
Prices (inflation)
+0%+20%+40%+60%+80%+100%
+85%
2019202020212022202320242025
Show as a table
Year
Water, sewers and garbage
Prices (inflation)
2019
+0%
+0%
2020
+6%
+1%
2021
+11%
+4%
2022
+12%
+11%
2023
+10%
+16%
2024
+55%
+18%
2025
+85%
+21%
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
Why it matters
When one area grows much faster than prices, it is either doing more (which may be great) or paying more for the same thing. Residents deserve to know which.
It could be because…
The town added a service, a building or staff that residents asked for.
Costs were moved from another area, so the total did not really change.
Accounting rules changed how costs are sorted.
Large one-time costs, like a study, lawsuit or repair, landed in one year.
Questions you could ask
What did the extra $5.4M a year pay for?
Why did water pipes go from $2.5M to $5.2M?
Was each increase approved by council as a separate decision, or did it happen through the yearly budget?
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Georgina had $52.9M saved at the end of 2025, up from $46.1M in 2019. That is 62% of one year's spending. Only 1 of 11 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
Does Georgina have enough saved for repairs and emergencies?
$0$20M$40M$60M$80M
$52.9M
2019202020212022202320242025
Show as a table
Year
Savings (reserves)
2019
$46.1M
2020
$50.8M
2021
$60.5M
2022
$62.7M
2023
$60M
2024
$50.5M
2025
$52.9M
Why it matters
With little saved, a broken bridge or a storm has to be paid for with a sudden tax increase or a loan. Low savings can also mean past budgets were balanced by spending savings instead of facing the real cost.
It could be because…
The town spent savings on purpose, on projects that were planned and saved up for.
Some savings were used to match grant money, which brings in more than it costs.
The town has a plan to rebuild its savings.
Questions you could ask
Does the town have a written reserve policy with a target amount?
What were the savings spent on between 2019 and 2025?
What is the plan to rebuild them, and by when?
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
At the end of 2025, $17.9M of property tax had been billed but not paid. That is 15% of everything billed. None of the 11 similar towns had a higher share. A year earlier it was $12.3M.
Why are so many property taxes unpaid?
$0$5.0M$10M$15M$20M
$17.9M
2019202020212022202320242025
Show as a table
Year
Unpaid property tax at year end
2019
$7.0M
2020
$8.8M
2021
$10.1M
2022
$8.9M
2023
$10.5M
2024
$12.3M
2025
$17.9M
Why it matters
When taxes go unpaid, everyone else carries the cost, and the town may borrow to cover the gap. The Province's financial indicators treat 10% to 15% as a moderate risk and more than 15% as a high risk. Collection is the town's job, so a rising number is worth asking about.
It could be because…
The final tax bill was due late in the year, so some payments simply arrived in January.
A few large properties are in dispute or being sold for back taxes.
Hard times for residents, which the town may be handling with payment plans.
Questions you could ask
How much is more than one year overdue, and from how many properties?
Are the rules for chasing unpaid taxes applied the same way to everyone?
Has the town registered tax arrears certificates on properties about two years behind? If still unpaid a year after that, Ontario law lets the town sell the property.
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Taxes receivable: 2019 $7.0M, 2020 $8.8M, 2021 $10.1M, 2022 $8.9M, 2023 $10.5M, 2024 $12.3M, 2025 $17.9M. Of the 2025 total, $4.5M was from earlier years.
$7,277,203annual surplus in 2025, against $15,070,111 budgeted in the statements
A surplus is what is left when a year's revenue is more than its spending. Budgets and audited statements are built on different bases, so the numbers do not line up neatly; the Town's note 3 reconciles the $212,141,511 Council approved to the figures in the statements. For 2025 the statements budgeted a surplus of $15,070,111 and report $7,277,203. For 2024 they budgeted $5,188,482 and report $2,150,377. The Town explains the main gaps line by line. It also reports an operating budget surplus of $405,048, which it says is 0.50 per cent of the gross operating tax levy budget.
Why it matters
Residents are told one number at budget time and another at year end. The Town has explained why, which is why we rank this a note. The useful point for residents is that the surplus in the statements is not the same as spare cash.
It could be because…
Developer money is counted only when work is done, so much budgeted revenue (budgeted $13,074,780, actual $2,982,247) arrives in later years.
Grants the Town expected were deferred, which the Town explains.
Capital items that cannot be counted as assets are charged as expenses, so spending looks higher in the statements while matching revenue or reserve draws come from elsewhere.
Questions you could ask
Could the Town show residents one table that goes from the budget Council approved to the cash result for the year?
What part of the "Lake Drive Shoreline Jurisdiction recoveries" counted in 2025 user fees is still to be collected?
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Statement of Operations: "Annual surplus" budget 15,070,111, 2025 7,277,203, 2024 2,150,377. Revenue budget 116,766,171, actual 111,551,119. Expenses budget 101,696,060, actual 103,476,793.
Table 3 explanations: user fees and service charges budget 18,831,695, actual 23,865,812 ("Positive trend in recreation and park programming & Anticipated Lake Drive Shoreline Jurisdiction recoveries"); government grants budget 9,322,756, actual 5,818,407 ("BFF & Housing action plan grants have been deferred"); investment income budget 1,030,890, actual 4,761,377; revenue from other governments budget 5,757,370, actual 1,425,821 ("Deferral of High Street streetscape recoveries").
Note 3, Budget reconciliation: Council approved budget $212,141,511 (revenue and expenses); less consolidation adjustments (32,540,100) and (12,316,100); less PSAB adjustments (62,835,240) and (20,790,620); less tangible capital assets capitalized (95,227,285); adjusted budget $116,766,171 revenue and $101,696,060 expenses.
Operating and Capital Reconciliation: "The 2025 annual operating surplus arising through budget variances is $405,048; which represents 0.50 per cent net variance from gross operating tax levy budget."
$29,645,271trade payables and accruals at December 31, 2025, against $19,942,928 a year earlier
Accounts payable are bills the Town has received or knows about and has not yet paid. At the end of 2025 the total was $36,574,444, up from $23,679,724. Trade payables and accruals, the largest piece, rose from $19,942,928 to $29,645,271. The cash flow statement shows that this rise, $12,894,720, was a large source of cash from operations in 2025. We did not find an explanation in the statements.
Why it matters
Unpaid bills are a short-term loan from suppliers. If the rise is end-of-year construction invoices, it is ordinary. If it is slow payment, suppliers may charge more to work for the Town.
It could be because…
Large construction invoices, for example for the Civic Centre, can arrive in December and be paid in January.
An accrual is an estimate of a bill not yet received, so a busy capital year raises it.
Holdbacks kept until a building is complete are counted here.
Questions you could ask
How much of the 2025 year-end payables is for Civic Centre and other capital work, and how much had been paid by March 31, 2026?
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Note 11, Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: trade payables and accruals $29,645,271 (2024 - $19,942,928); school boards 1,069,260; Region of York 2,452,594; interest on long-term debt 1,017,940; payroll 2,389,379; total $36,574,444 (2024 - $23,679,724).
Statement of Cash Flows, operating activities: "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" 12,894,720 in 2025 and (3,502,926) in 2024; cash provided by operating activities 29,849,792.
In 2019, Georgina had $19.8M more in cash and money owed to it than it owed to others. By 2025 it was −$46.2M. About 1% of that change ($428K) 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 2 of 11 similar towns are in a weaker position.
Georgina went from having money in the bank to owing more than it has. What changed?
−$60M−$40M−$20M$0$20M$40M
−$46.2M
2019202020212022202320242025
Show as a table
Year
Net financial position
2019
$19.8M
2020
$18.4M
2021
$23.3M
2022
$9.8M
2023
−$11.3M
2024
−$23.4M
2025
−$46.2M
Why it matters
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.
It could be because…
A new accounting rule (asset retirement obligations, from 2023) added a large future cost to the books all at once.
Borrowing for a planned project, such as sewage lagoons, which is paid back over many years.
Questions you could ask
What is the plan and timeline for paying the landfill closing cost?
Without the accounting change, is the town's position getting better or worse?
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Georgina spent about $202 per home on snow ploughing in 2025. The typical similar town spent $129. Only 1 of 11 similar towns spent more.
Why it matters
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.
It could be because…
Geography: more roads, more snow, a bigger area or a landfill of its own.
Accounting: some towns record the same cost in a different category.
A one-time cost in this year.
Questions you could ask
What makes this cost higher here than in similar towns?
When were the main contracts in this area last put out to competitive tender?
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 Georgina?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Snow ploughing per home: Georgina $202; typical similar town $129; ranked 2nd highest of 12.
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