Questions · 9 so far
We read Howick's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 30 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
+68%running the town office, 2019 to 2025
Howick spent $548K on running the town office in 2019 and $921K in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 2 of 30 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
+112%parks, arena and library, 2019 to 2025
Howick spent $568K on parks, arena and library in 2019 and $1.2M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 1 of 30 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.
$1,136,411recreation, parks and culture in 2024, against a budget of $708,673
The audited 2024 statements show recreation, parks and culture at $1,136,411 against a budget of $708,673. The draft 2025 statements show $1,370,033 against $756,662. Worked out by us, that is $427,738 over in 2024 and $613,371 over in 2025. The statements do say the budget is incomplete: budget amounts "were not available for certain boards" the Township consolidates, and the recreation, hall and park boards are among them. We did not find a Township explanation of the size of the gap.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$2,865,760.13planned total reserves at the end of 2026, down from $4,178,943.24
A reserve is money set aside in earlier years for future needs. The 2026 budget book shows total reserves of $4,178,943.24 at the start of 2026 and $2,865,760.13 at the end, a fall worked out by us at $1,313,183.11. It also raises the tax rate by 5.340% plus a 2% capital levy. The Township's budget presentation says 80% of the 2026 capital budget comes from reserves. Reserves paying for roads, bridges and a land purchase is what reserves are for, but we did not find a plan for refilling them.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$300,000.00approved on July 14, 2026 from the fire reserve, which staff expected to hold $395,000.00
The 2026 capital budget includes $300,000 for "Property & Legal for future Fire Hall". On July 14, 2026, council also approved spending up to $300,000.00 from the fire reserve for a used pumper-tanker (a fire truck that carries more water) after the 2000 pumper failed its pump test. Staff told council the fire reserve was expected to hold $395,000.00 at the end of 2026, so worked out by us about $95,000 would be left if the full amount were used. Staff also gave council a financing option for a new truck. We did not find a report on the fire hall land.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$42,500.00Insurance/Legal Reserve at the start of 2026, against costs that were "not included" in the budget
At the July 14, 2026 meeting, after a closed session, the Reeve reported that council met "to discuss legal matters and fees not included in the 2026 Municipal Budget". The second-quarter budget report says additional legal costs will be moved from the Legal Reserve at year end. The 2026 budget has small legal lines (for example $5,000.00 for by-law legal fees and $1,500.00 for planning) and an Insurance/Legal Reserve of $42,500.00 at the start of 2026. We did not find the amount or the subject.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
Background that helps make sense of the rest.
$1,199,607surplus in 2024, against $392,567 shown as planned
A surplus is what is left when a year's revenue is more than its spending. The 2024 statements show a planned surplus of $392,567 and an actual surplus of $1,199,607. The draft 2025 statements show $479,983 planned and $1,500,388 actual. Fees and user charges are a big part of it: $322,150 budgeted and $762,267 actual in 2024. The Township's note says the planned figure is the adopted budget (which balances to nil) restated into the statement format, so the gap is not a failed plan.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$90,213.60spent on snow removal salaries in 2025, against a budget of $37,822.94
The 2026 budget book shows the "Salaries - Snow Removal" line at 37,822.94 budgeted for 2025, 90,213.60 actual, and 83,219.82 budgeted for 2026. Council has already moved the 2026 budget close to last year's actual, so this is context more than a concern. The book does not say why the 2025 cost was higher.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 1 source
2024the latest year posted as a separate audited file when we read the site
The Township's staff report says that once council approves the 2025 statements, finalized copies will be posted on the website. The minutes of August 11, 2026 record that the township's auditor presented them to council. When we read the site on October 7, 2026, the Budget & Finance page (marked updated August 14, 2026) listed only the 2024 statements. The draft 2025 statements are public inside the August 11 agenda package, with every page marked draft.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
+68%running the town office, 2019 to 2025
Howick spent $548K on running the town office in 2019 and $921K in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 2 of 30 similar towns had faster growth here.
| Year | Running the town office | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | −5% | +1% |
| 2021 | −3% | +4% |
| 2022 | +30% | +11% |
| 2023 | +30% | +16% |
| 2024 | +53% | +18% |
| 2025 | +68% | +21% |
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 Howick? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Running the town office: 2019 $548K, 2020 $521K, 2021 $530K, 2022 $712K, 2023 $710K, 2024 $838K, 2025 $921K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Senior management, from $461K to $811K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Typical growth among similar towns: 35%. Howick ranks 3rd of 31.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 30 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 · archived copy
+112%parks, arena and library, 2019 to 2025
Howick spent $568K on parks, arena and library in 2019 and $1.2M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 1 of 30 similar towns had faster growth here.
| Year | Parks, arena and library | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | −28% | +1% |
| 2021 | −36% | +4% |
| 2022 | −16% | +11% |
| 2023 | +35% | +16% |
| 2024 | +55% | +18% |
| 2025 | +112% | +21% |
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
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.
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 Howick? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Parks, arena and library: 2019 $568K, 2020 $408K, 2021 $363K, 2022 $479K, 2023 $769K, 2024 $880K, 2025 $1.2M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Parks, from $29,363 to $310K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Typical growth among similar towns: 65%. Howick ranks 2nd of 31.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 30 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 · archived copy
$1,136,411recreation, parks and culture in 2024, against a budget of $708,673
The audited 2024 statements show recreation, parks and culture at $1,136,411 against a budget of $708,673. The draft 2025 statements show $1,370,033 against $756,662. Worked out by us, that is $427,738 over in 2024 and $613,371 over in 2025. The statements do say the budget is incomplete: budget amounts "were not available for certain boards" the Township consolidates, and the recreation, hall and park boards are among them. We did not find a Township explanation of the size of the gap.
Recreation is one of the Township's largest services, after roads and protection. If the budget leaves out part of its real cost, residents cannot tell from the budget alone what the arena, pool and halls take from the tax levy.
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 Howick? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: 2024 and 2025 spending by the recreation, hall and park boards, with wording you can copy.
Statement of operations, 2024: "Recreation, parks and culture" 2024 budget 708,673, 2024 actual 1,136,411 (2023 actual 908,640).
Township of Howick, Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Consolidated Statement of Operations, PDF page 6
Note 14, Budget amounts: "Budget amounts were not available for certain boards consolidated by the Township." Note 1 lists the consolidated boards, including Belmore Parks Board, Gorrie Parks Board, Belmore Community Centre Board, Gorrie Community Hall Board and Wroxeter Hall Board.
Township of Howick, Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Note 14, PDF page 16; Note 1(a), PDF page 9
Segmented information, 2024: recreation and culture revenue 550,957, amortization 160,524, total expenditure 1,136,411, net revenue (expense) (585,454).
Township of Howick, Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Segmented Information, PDF page 20
Draft statement of operations, 2025 (draft as at July 28, 2026, not final): "Recreation, parks and culture" 2025 budget 756,662, 2025 actual 1,370,033 (2024 actual 1,136,411).
Council agenda package, August 11, 2026 (draft 2025 financial statements) · Consolidated Statement of Operations, PDF page 31
$2,865,760.13planned total reserves at the end of 2026, down from $4,178,943.24
A reserve is money set aside in earlier years for future needs. The 2026 budget book shows total reserves of $4,178,943.24 at the start of 2026 and $2,865,760.13 at the end, a fall worked out by us at $1,313,183.11. It also raises the tax rate by 5.340% plus a 2% capital levy. The Township's budget presentation says 80% of the 2026 capital budget comes from reserves. Reserves paying for roads, bridges and a land purchase is what reserves are for, but we did not find a plan for refilling them.
If reserves are spent faster than they are refilled, the next big repair has to be paid from taxes or borrowing. Residents should know whether 2026 is a one-time dip or the start of a pattern.
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 Howick? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
2026 reserve budget: "TOTAL RESERVES" opening balance 4,178,943.24, closing balance 2,865,760.13. "General Operating Reserve" opening 523,900.06, closing 124,900.06. "Roads Construction Reserve" opening 1,155,312.38, closing 392,359.92. The page is marked "Unaudited".
2026 Municipal Budget · 2026 Reserve Budget, page 6 of the book (PDF page 8)
Budget Highlights: "The budget as presented includes a total tax rate increase of 5.340% plus 2% capital levy for 2026."
2026 Municipal Budget · Budget Highlights, page 1 of the book (PDF page 3)
Capital Budget slide: the 2026 capital budget is funded "80% from Reserves", "19% from Grants (OCIF, CCBF-Gas Tax & Modernization)" and "1% from Taxation". This is the draft presentation, and its capital total (2,833,415) differs from the adopted budget, so we use it only for staff's wording.
Draft 2026 Budget Presentation · Capital Budget slide, PDF page 7
Note 12, Accumulated surplus: "Reserves and reserve funds" 3,914,358 at December 31, 2024 (3,586,224 at 2023).
Township of Howick, Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Note 12, PDF page 15
$300,000.00approved on July 14, 2026 from the fire reserve, which staff expected to hold $395,000.00
The 2026 capital budget includes $300,000 for "Property & Legal for future Fire Hall". On July 14, 2026, council also approved spending up to $300,000.00 from the fire reserve for a used pumper-tanker (a fire truck that carries more water) after the 2000 pumper failed its pump test. Staff told council the fire reserve was expected to hold $395,000.00 at the end of 2026, so worked out by us about $95,000 would be left if the full amount were used. Staff also gave council a financing option for a new truck. We did not find a report on the fire hall land.
Fire protection in Howick relies on volunteers and local trucks, and staff say another large cost, breathing apparatus at about $200,000.00, is coming. Residents should know how these costs fit together.
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 Howick? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
2026 capital budget, Administration: "Property & Legal for future Fire Hall" 300,000, funded from reserves.
2026 Municipal Budget · 2026 Capital Budget, page 4 of the book (PDF page 6)
Minutes, item 10.2.2: staff said "the Fire Reserves is anticipated to have a balance of $395,000.00 at the end of 2026". Council carried: "That the Council of the Township of Howick approve spending up to $300,000.00 from the fire reserve for the purchase of a used pumper-tanker". Staff gave an estimate of "$685,000.00 financed through Infrastructure Ontario over 10 years at 3.66%", with "annual payments would be $82,416.00 which is a 1.75% budget increase annually". Staff said the next big purchase would be breathing apparatus at "approximately $200,000.00".
Council minutes, July 14, 2026 · Item 10.2.2, DPS-2026-19, PDF pages 5 to 6
$42,500.00Insurance/Legal Reserve at the start of 2026, against costs that were "not included" in the budget
At the July 14, 2026 meeting, after a closed session, the Reeve reported that council met "to discuss legal matters and fees not included in the 2026 Municipal Budget". The second-quarter budget report says additional legal costs will be moved from the Legal Reserve at year end. The 2026 budget has small legal lines (for example $5,000.00 for by-law legal fees and $1,500.00 for planning) and an Insurance/Legal Reserve of $42,500.00 at the start of 2026. We did not find the amount or the subject.
Legal costs can be large and are paid by taxpayers. Council may keep the details of legal advice private, but the size of a cost that was not in the budget can be public.
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 Howick? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: Total legal fees paid in 2026 and the reserve transfer, with wording you can copy.
Closed session, item 18: "Reeve Harding reported that the reason Council met in closed session was to discuss legal matters and fees not included in the 2026 Municipal Budget." The closed meeting began at 10:39 a.m. and ended at 11:09 a.m.
Council minutes, July 14, 2026 · Items 17 and 18, PDF page 13
Second-quarter variance report, footnote 2 under Council & General Administration: "Additional Legal costs to be transferred from Legal Reserve at year end".
Council agenda package, July 14, 2026 · FIN-2026-20 variance report, footnotes, PDF page 44
2026 operating budget: "2404-51010 Legal Fees" 2025 budget 5,000.00, 2025 actual 921.95, 2026 budget 5,000.00; "Legal/Insurance Deductibles" 8,000.00, 4,751.60, 8,000.00. Reserve budget: "Insurance/Legal Reserve" opening 42,500.00.
2026 Municipal Budget · Detailed Operating Budget, PDF pages 12 and 14; Reserve Budget, PDF page 8
Planning accounts: "8100-50556 Planning Services 15,000.00 9,209.66 15,000.00" and "8100-51010 Legal Fees 1,500.00 1,831.68 1,500.00" (2025 budget, 2025 actual, 2026 budget).
2026 Municipal Budget · Detailed Operating Budget, planning (8100) accounts, PDF page 19
$1,199,607surplus in 2024, against $392,567 shown as planned
A surplus is what is left when a year's revenue is more than its spending. The 2024 statements show a planned surplus of $392,567 and an actual surplus of $1,199,607. The draft 2025 statements show $479,983 planned and $1,500,388 actual. Fees and user charges are a big part of it: $322,150 budgeted and $762,267 actual in 2024. The Township's note says the planned figure is the adopted budget (which balances to nil) restated into the statement format, so the gap is not a failed plan.
A budget is the promise made about what the year will cost. When results are far better each year, residents may be paying more tax than needed, or the budget may be built in a way that hides money that is really there.
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 Howick? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Statement of operations, 2024: "Annual surplus (deficit)" budget 392,567, actual 1,199,607 (2023 actual 1,443,110). "Fees and user charges" budget 322,150, actual 762,267. Total revenue budget 6,042,066, actual 7,015,867.
Township of Howick, Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Consolidated Statement of Operations, PDF page 6
Note 14: "Approved budget annual surplus (deficit)" $ -; "Acquisition of tangible capital assets" 1,650,954; "Debt principal repayments" 47,317; "Net reserve, reserve fund, and surplus transfers" (1,305,704); "Budgeted surplus reported on consolidated statement of operations" $ 392,567.
Township of Howick, Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Note 14, Budget amounts, PDF page 16
Draft statement of operations, 2025 (draft as at July 28, 2026, not final): "Annual surplus (deficit)" budget 479,983, actual 1,500,388. "Fees and user charges" budget 434,500, actual 1,138,781.
Council agenda package, August 11, 2026 (draft 2025 financial statements) · Consolidated Statement of Operations, PDF page 31
$90,213.60spent on snow removal salaries in 2025, against a budget of $37,822.94
The 2026 budget book shows the "Salaries - Snow Removal" line at 37,822.94 budgeted for 2025, 90,213.60 actual, and 83,219.82 budgeted for 2026. Council has already moved the 2026 budget close to last year's actual, so this is context more than a concern. The book does not say why the 2025 cost was higher.
Winter work depends on the weather, and roads are the largest part of the Township's budget. The line shows how the Township reacted when a cost ran above plan.
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 Howick? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Operating budget line "3601-50101 Salaries - Snow Removal": 2025 budget 37,822.94, 2025 actual 90,213.60, 2026 budget 83,219.82, change 45,396.88, 120.02%.
2026 Municipal Budget · Detailed Operating Budget, Winter Control, PDF page 15
2024the latest year posted as a separate audited file when we read the site
The Township's staff report says that once council approves the 2025 statements, finalized copies will be posted on the website. The minutes of August 11, 2026 record that the township's auditor presented them to council. When we read the site on October 7, 2026, the Budget & Finance page (marked updated August 14, 2026) listed only the 2024 statements. The draft 2025 statements are public inside the August 11 agenda package, with every page marked draft.
Audited statements are the Township's own yearly check on itself. Residents voting on October 26, 2026 should be able to find the latest year easily.
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 Howick? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Staff report FIN-2026-21: "Once these statements are approved by council, finalized copies of the financial statements will be posted on our municipal website and hard copies will be available to the public upon request." Recommendation: that council approve the 2025 Financial Statements as presented. Financial statements pages are marked "DRAFT as at July 28, 2026 - for discussion purposes only".
Council agenda package, August 11, 2026 · FIN-2026-21, PDF page 22
Item 6: "Reeve Harding called upon" the township's auditor "to present Howick Township's 2025 Consolidated Financial Statement." "No questions from Council." A motion on the 2025 Consolidated Financial Statements was carried. The minutes do not say in plain words that the statements were approved as final.
Council minutes, August 11, 2026 · Item 6, PDF pages 1 to 2