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by hand, Oct 2026DetailsThis is built from public records, which leave a lot out, and some of it may be wrong or out of date.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 Joly'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 · 13 so far
Things worth asking about
We read Joly's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 19 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.
$1,057,389spent on capital assets in 2025, against a budget of $480,348
Capital spending means buying or building things that last, like roads and bridges. The 2025 statements budgeted $480,348 for it and show $1,057,389 spent, with $1,033,921 of that on roads and bridges. By our arithmetic (worked out by us) that is $577,041 more than planned. Provincial capital grants came in at $452,133, against a budgeted $389,262, so grants cover only a small part of the gap. The statements show $357,495 moved out of reserves (savings set aside for later) during the year. The statements do not explain the difference.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$334,217cash at the end of 2025, down from $1,084,936
In 2025 the Township's cash fell by $750,719, to $334,217. The capital reserve (savings for big projects) went from $735,941 to $374,264. Net financial assets, a measure of what the Township holds against what it owes, ended at $410,916, against a budgeted $749,169. On August 11, 2026 Council adopted By-law 2026-033, authorizing an application to Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (a provincial lender) for long-term borrowing for capital work. The minutes do not say how much or for which projects. The Township's existing debt was $290,622 at the end of 2025, with $123,290 of principal due in 2026.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
2022the last year with forms on the registry page, though minutes record declarations in 2026
Councils in Ontario must keep a public registry of the interests members declare. Joly's registry page lists declaration forms grouped by year, and the years we found were 2018 to 2022. The 2026 minutes we read record that a member declared an interest at the May 12 and July 14 meetings. We did not find those declarations on the page when we read it on October 7, 2026.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
In 2024, Joly collected $86,786 more in its own property tax than in 2023. That is a 11% jump, while prices went up about 2.4%. Only 1 of 19 similar towns raised theirs by more. Almost all of it came from a higher tax rate (up 9% for homes); the value of homes on the tax roll grew only 2.1%.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 4 sources
Joly spent $177K on roads and snow in 2019 and $413K in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 1 of 19 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
$475,048purchased in 2025 from a company owned by a Councillor, after $191,857 in 2024 (as shown in the 2025 statements)
Each year the audited statements list purchases the Township made from a company owned by a Councillor. The 2025 statements show $475,048, against $191,857 for 2024. The 2024 statements, however, printed a dash (nothing) for 2024 and $146,016 for 2023. The 2023 statements printed $146,016 for 2023 and $184,317 for 2022. The statements do not name the Councillor or the company, and we have not tried to work out who it is.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$1,734,085total 2026 estimates in the tax-rates by-law, adopted May 12, 2026
On April 14, 2026 Council received a draft 2026 budget and asked staff to prepare a final draft and by-laws. On May 12, 2026 it adopted By-law 2026-27 "to adopt the 2026 estimates and tax rates". The 2026 estimates are a one-page schedule inside that by-law: $988,434 from taxation and payments in lieu, $110,994 from reserves and $206,200 for capital, with a total of $1,734,085. The schedule's line for the opening surplus or deficit says "not known yet". The 2025 audit was signed on July 20, 2026. We did not find a budget book. This is context, not a finding of wrongdoing: the by-law was passed in open session and says the levy rose 5.3%.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
RFP 2026-002website redesign request for proposals, cancelled July 14, 2026; no amount in the minutes
On July 14, 2026 Council's agenda had an item to cancel RFP 2026-002 (Municipal Website Re-Design) and to award the work to one web services company without a competition (a sole-source award). The recorded motion only says Council "receives the staff report". The minutes' action list tells staff to tell the bidders the RFP was cancelled and to ask the company to go ahead. The minutes give no amount. We do not know whether the work is large or small, and have no reason to think anything is wrong.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$19,560"Other" revenue actually booked in 2025, against a budget of $100,679
The 2025 budget counted on $100,679 of revenue under "Other". The statements show $19,560 actual, after $112,752 in 2024. The statements do not say what the line is made of. The 2026 estimates show $59,400 for "Other Revenue".
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$62,210Medical Centre reserve at the end of 2025, down from $74,386
The Sundridge and District Medical Centre is shared by three municipalities. Joly's statements include the Medical Centre in their consolidated totals, and show a Medical Centre reserve of $62,210, down from $74,386. On July 20, 2026 Council said it does not support a proposed change to a voting structure and wants to keep equal (1/3) voting and ownership and the existing cost split. The minutes do not print Joly's dollar share, and the staff report they mention is not on the pages we read.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$1,057,389spent on capital assets in 2025, against a budget of $480,348
Capital spending means buying or building things that last, like roads and bridges. The 2025 statements budgeted $480,348 for it and show $1,057,389 spent, with $1,033,921 of that on roads and bridges. By our arithmetic (worked out by us) that is $577,041 more than planned. Provincial capital grants came in at $452,133, against a budgeted $389,262, so grants cover only a small part of the gap. The statements show $357,495 moved out of reserves (savings set aside for later) during the year. The statements do not explain the difference.
Why it matters
A project that costs more than twice the plan has either been added mid-year or cost much more than expected. Either way residents should know who approved it and how it was paid for, because savings spent on it are not there for the next project.
It could be because…
A road or bridge project may have been added after the budget was set, with its own grant approved during the year.
A project budgeted over two years may have been paid mostly in one.
The statements show old road assets removed from the books during the year, which is normal when a road section is rebuilt.
The Township's statements say the budget figures are "unaudited" and adjusted to the accounting basis, so the gap may partly reflect how the budget was recast.
Questions you could ask
Which projects made up the $1,057,389, and when did Council approve the ones that were not in the 2025 budget?
How much of the $1,033,921 spent on roads and bridges came from grants, how much from reserves and how much from loans?
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 Joly?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Statement of Change in Net Financial Assets: "Acquisition of tangible capital assets" budget (480,348), actual (1,057,389); 2024 actual (247,728).
Statement of Operations: "Government grants and transfers related to capital - Provincial" budget 389,262, actual 452,133; "Government grants and transfers related to capital - Federal" budget 71,191, actual 43,225.
$334,217cash at the end of 2025, down from $1,084,936
In 2025 the Township's cash fell by $750,719, to $334,217. The capital reserve (savings for big projects) went from $735,941 to $374,264. Net financial assets, a measure of what the Township holds against what it owes, ended at $410,916, against a budgeted $749,169. On August 11, 2026 Council adopted By-law 2026-033, authorizing an application to Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (a provincial lender) for long-term borrowing for capital work. The minutes do not say how much or for which projects. The Township's existing debt was $290,622 at the end of 2025, with $123,290 of principal due in 2026.
Why it matters
Borrowing is paid back from future taxes and grants. Residents should be told the amount, the project and the payback plan before or when the loan is applied for, not after.
It could be because…
The Township may have spent its savings on a project it always meant to finish with a loan, which is a normal way to pay for a road or bridge.
Most of the existing debt ends in 2026 and 2027, so a new loan may replace older ones and keep payments steady.
Grants promised but not yet received may be waiting to refill cash.
The application may be for a small amount, or may be a placeholder that is never used.
Questions you could ask
How much is the Township applying to borrow, and for which capital work?
How will the payments be covered over the loan's life, and how much will come from taxes?
Has Council set a target for the capital reserve, and what is the plan to rebuild 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 Joly?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Statement of Cash Flows: "Decrease in cash" (750,719); "Cash, beginning of year" 1,084,936; "Cash, end of year" $ 334,217.
Item 9.3.1, Resolution 2026-274: "By-Law 2026-033 being a By-Law to AUTHORIZE THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION TO ONTARIO INFRASTRUCTURE AND LANDS CORPORATION ("OILC") FOR FINANCING OF CERTAIN CAPITAL WORK(S) ... AND TO AUTHORIZE LONG-TERM BORROWING FOR SUCH CAPITAL WORK(S) THROUGH THE ISSUE OF DEBENTURES TO OILC be read and adopted." CARRIED. The minutes give no amount or project.
2022the last year with forms on the registry page, though minutes record declarations in 2026
Councils in Ontario must keep a public registry of the interests members declare. Joly's registry page lists declaration forms grouped by year, and the years we found were 2018 to 2022. The 2026 minutes we read record that a member declared an interest at the May 12 and July 14 meetings. We did not find those declarations on the page when we read it on October 7, 2026.
Why it matters
The registry is how residents can see when a member stepped aside, and why. A registry that stops four years back cannot do that job for the current term, in the weeks before an election.
It could be because…
The registry may be kept at the office or on a different page we did not find.
The page may simply not have been updated after the website was changed.
Declarations made at meetings may be recorded only in the minutes, which are posted.
Questions you could ask
Where is the registry of declarations for 2023 to 2026, and can it be posted online?
Will the Township post each declaration within a set number of days of the meeting?
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 Joly?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
The Township's "Declaration of Pecuniary Interest" page lists forms by meeting date and councillor name under year headings 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022; the latest meeting date listed is August 9, 2022. It has no entries for 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026.
Item 3, Declarations of Disqualifying Interest (Pecuniary): the minutes record that a member declared an interest in item 7.1 and left the chair for it.
In 2024, Joly collected $86,786 more in its own property tax than in 2023. That is a 11% jump, while prices went up about 2.4%. Only 1 of 19 similar towns raised theirs by more. Almost all of it came from a higher tax rate (up 9% for homes); the value of homes on the tax roll grew only 2.1%.
Why did Joly's property tax go up 11% in 2024?
$0$200K$400K$600K$800K$1.0M
$883K
201920202021202220232024
Show as a table
Year
Town property tax
2019
$678K
2020
$699K
2021
$726K
2022
$771K
2023
$796K
2024
$883K
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 $560 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 2024 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 Joly?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Town property tax: $796,499 in 2023, $883,285 in 2024.
Joly spent $177K on roads and snow in 2019 and $413K in 2024. Prices only went up about 18% in that time. Only 1 of 19 similar towns had faster growth here.
Why did the cost of roads and snow grow 133% in 5 years?
Roads and snow
Prices (inflation)
+0%+50%+100%+150%
+133%
201920202021202220232024
Show as a table
Year
Roads and snow
Prices (inflation)
2019
+0%
+0%
2020
+78%
+1%
2021
+83%
+4%
2022
+93%
+11%
2023
+133%
+16%
2024
+133%
+18%
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 $235K a year pay for?
Why did paved roads go from $8,216 to $292K?
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 Joly?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Joly spent about $385 per home on council in 2024. The typical similar town spent $164. Only 2 of 19 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 Joly?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Council per home: Joly $385; typical similar town $164; ranked 3rd highest of 20.
Joly spent about $2,783 per home on long-term debt in 2024. The typical similar town spent $406. Only 2 of 19 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 Joly?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Long-term debt per home: Joly $2,783; typical similar town $406; ranked 3rd highest of 20.
$475,048purchased in 2025 from a company owned by a Councillor, after $191,857 in 2024 (as shown in the 2025 statements)
Each year the audited statements list purchases the Township made from a company owned by a Councillor. The 2025 statements show $475,048, against $191,857 for 2024. The 2024 statements, however, printed a dash (nothing) for 2024 and $146,016 for 2023. The 2023 statements printed $146,016 for 2023 and $184,317 for 2022. The statements do not name the Councillor or the company, and we have not tried to work out who it is.
Why it matters
When a Township buys from a company owned by someone who helps decide its spending, residents are entitled to know how the work was awarded, whether other companies were asked to bid, and that the member stayed out of the decision. The two different 2024 figures also make it hard to follow the trend from one year to the next.
It could be because…
Joly is a very small place, so the nearest company able to supply what the Township needs may happen to be owned by a member of council.
2025 was a big capital year (the statements show $1,057,389 spent on capital assets), so purchases of every kind rose.
The Township may have used a public tender or a cooperative buying arrangement, with the member not taking part in the decision.
The 2024 figure may have been restated after the 2024 statements were signed; the 2025 statements say some comparative figures were re-presented.
Questions you could ask
How were the 2025 purchases from this company awarded, and were competing quotes or tenders sought?
Why does the 2024 comparative figure in the 2025 statements ($191,857) differ from what the 2024 statements printed?
Where can residents see the Township's related-party and procurement records for 2025?
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 Joly?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Note 20, Related Party Transactions: "the Township purchased goods in the amount of $475,048 (2024 - $191,857) from a company owned by a Councillor."
Note 21, Related Party Transactions: "the Municipality purchased goods in the amount of $146,016 (2022 - $184,317) from a company owned by a Councilor."
$1,734,085total 2026 estimates in the tax-rates by-law, adopted May 12, 2026
On April 14, 2026 Council received a draft 2026 budget and asked staff to prepare a final draft and by-laws. On May 12, 2026 it adopted By-law 2026-27 "to adopt the 2026 estimates and tax rates". The 2026 estimates are a one-page schedule inside that by-law: $988,434 from taxation and payments in lieu, $110,994 from reserves and $206,200 for capital, with a total of $1,734,085. The schedule's line for the opening surplus or deficit says "not known yet". The 2025 audit was signed on July 20, 2026. We did not find a budget book. This is context, not a finding of wrongdoing: the by-law was passed in open session and says the levy rose 5.3%.
Why it matters
Residents can read what the Township plans to raise and spend, but only as a single page with few explanations. A budget set before the year-end result is known can be off by the amount of last year's surplus or deficit.
It could be because…
Small townships often set the levy in spring so the final tax bills can go out in time, and fix any surplus or deficit the next year.
The adopted by-law passed as the budget on the same day, so a separate budget motion was not needed.
A longer budget book may exist that we did not find.
Questions you could ask
Is there a fuller 2026 budget document, and can it be posted next to the by-law?
How will the 2025 surplus, now known, be used in the 2026 figures?
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 Joly?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Item 9.4, Resolution 2026-150: "Council ... hereby receives the 2026 draft budget and directs staff to prepare final draft and by-laws." CARRIED.
Preamble: "Council agreed to a levy increase of five and three-tenths percent (5.3%)"; "The estimates reflect an increase of $50,096 over the 2025 municipal levy."
Schedule A, 2026 Municipal Estimates (Budget): "Taxation and Payments-In-Lieu" $988,434; "Transfer from Reserves" 110,994; "Opening Surplus/ Deficit" (not known yet); "Projected Fund Usage - Capital" 206,200; "Total Projected Fund Usage" $1,734,085. A line above the schedule reads "To use Schedule tab from Apr 30 2026 Budget File", and Schedule B is headed "BYLAW 2026-163" in a by-law numbered 2026-27.
RFP 2026-002website redesign request for proposals, cancelled July 14, 2026; no amount in the minutes
On July 14, 2026 Council's agenda had an item to cancel RFP 2026-002 (Municipal Website Re-Design) and to award the work to one web services company without a competition (a sole-source award). The recorded motion only says Council "receives the staff report". The minutes' action list tells staff to tell the bidders the RFP was cancelled and to ask the company to go ahead. The minutes give no amount. We do not know whether the work is large or small, and have no reason to think anything is wrong.
Why it matters
A bidding process that is cancelled after bids come in is a common place for residents to ask questions. The public record should show what the work costs and why a sole-source award was allowed.
It could be because…
The bids may have been too high or did not meet the requirements, and the Township may already have a working relationship with the company.
The amount may be under the Township's limit for sole-source purchases.
The staff report, which we did not find posted, may explain all of it.
Questions you could ask
What is the contract amount, and which part of the procurement policy allowed a sole-source award?
Can the staff report for item 9.2 be posted?
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 Joly?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Item 9.2: "Cancellation of RFP 2026-002 (Municipal Website Re-Design) and Sole-Source Award"; Resolution 2026-240: Council "receives the staff report". CARRIED. No amount is given.
Action list, item 9.2: staff to "communicate the RFP cancellation to those who submitted bids" and to ask the company to proceed with the website improvement; the action list itself says it is "for the Minutes only; not a resolution of Council".
$19,560"Other" revenue actually booked in 2025, against a budget of $100,679
The 2025 budget counted on $100,679 of revenue under "Other". The statements show $19,560 actual, after $112,752 in 2024. The statements do not say what the line is made of. The 2026 estimates show $59,400 for "Other Revenue".
Why it matters
A revenue line that misses its plan by about four-fifths (worked out by us) is a small hole in the plan, and it is not clear if it will happen again in 2026.
It could be because…
The budget may have counted on a one-time item (for example a land sale or a payment) that did not happen or fell into another year.
Revenue of this kind may have been booked under a different line, such as grants.
The line was $112,752 in 2024, which may include a one-time item the 2025 budget assumed would repeat.
Questions you could ask
What items made up the $100,679 budgeted for "Other" revenue in 2025?
What is the $59,400 for 2026 based on?
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 Joly?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Statement of Operations: "Other" revenue budget 100,679, actual 19,560; 2024 actual 112,752. "Total revenues" budget 1,425,284, actual 1,384,949.
$62,210Medical Centre reserve at the end of 2025, down from $74,386
The Sundridge and District Medical Centre is shared by three municipalities. Joly's statements include the Medical Centre in their consolidated totals, and show a Medical Centre reserve of $62,210, down from $74,386. On July 20, 2026 Council said it does not support a proposed change to a voting structure and wants to keep equal (1/3) voting and ownership and the existing cost split. The minutes do not print Joly's dollar share, and the staff report they mention is not on the pages we read.
Why it matters
Joly is a small township sharing the cost of a building and services. Residents should be able to see what they pay, what they own, and what is being negotiated, especially when a change is being proposed.
It could be because…
The three-way agreement is working as designed and Council is simply defending it.
The reserve fell because the Centre paid for repairs or equipment as planned.
The Township's share may be small compared to the benefit to residents.
Questions you could ask
What does Joly pay each year toward the Medical Centre's operating and capital costs?
Can the staff report on the proposed voting change be posted?
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 Joly?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Item 4.1.1, Resolution 2026-253: Council "does not support the Township of Strong's proposed change to a 2-2-1 SDMC voting structure" and "wishes to maintain the current SDMC Shared Service Agreement structure, including equal (1/3) voting, equal (1/3) ownership, and the existing operating and capital cost apportionment, without change". CARRIED.
Note 1(a)(i), Basis of Consolidation: the consolidated statements "include the activities of all committees of Council, the Sundridge and District Medical Centre".
Joly spent about $465 per home on snow ploughing in 2024. The typical similar town spent $48. None of the 19 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 Joly?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Snow ploughing per home: Joly $465; typical similar town $48; ranked 1st highest of 20.
Can we count your visit? With your OK, we use Google Analytics to see which pages help people. It sets cookies and sends visit data to Google. Nothing loads unless you say yes. Privacy