Questions · 12 so far
We read McMurrich-Monteith's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 31 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
+75%running the town office, 2019 to 2025
McMurrich-Monteith spent $352K on running the town office in 2019 and $616K in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 1 of 31 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
$654Kowed in unpaid property tax, end of 2025
At the end of 2025, $654K of property tax had been billed but not paid. That is 25% of everything billed. None of the 31 similar towns had a higher share. A year earlier it was $493K.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
$1,278,824spent on capital assets in 2025, against $2,231,530 in the budget reconciliation (a gap of $952,706, worked out by us)
The statements' budget reconciliation shows $2,231,530 for buying and building long-lasting assets such as roads and bridges (the note does not say this is the capital budget, but it is the only capital figure it gives). The statements show $1,278,824 spent. Government transfers were $1,161,616 against a budget of $1,829,937. The Axe Lake Road bridge contract, signed in 2025 for $416,018, was only $41,902 done at year end.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$393,563long-term debt at December 31, 2025, from nothing a year earlier
The Township had no long-term debt at the end of 2024. In 2025 it borrowed $393,563 through a provincial lender, repayable to 2050. The budget reconciliation in the statements also lists the debt.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$343,616the landfill closure liability at December 31, 2025, down from $585,878
The estimated cost to close and monitor the landfill fell from $585,878 to $343,616. The estimate of remaining space rose from 10,000 to 24,023 cubic metres, and the years to fill it from 10 to 32. In the same year the Township wrote off $265,266 of land and land improvements, nearly the same as the $265,268 cut in the estimate (worked out by us), and reported a $330,237 loss on disposal of assets.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$1,435,045the new Capital reserve at the end of 2025, after three reserves were emptied
Three reserves with $663,600, $491,057 and $310,213 at the start of 2025 ($1,464,870 in all, worked out by us) all end at nothing. A new reserve called Capital starts at nothing and ends at $1,435,045. Total reserves and reserve funds fell by $152,526 to $2,470,568, and the Modernization fund fell by $220,264.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 1 source
$167.88the 2026 rise on the Township's sample home bill ($2,167.83 to $2,335.71), about 7.7%
The Township's own summary says its total collected taxes rise 5.02% ($130,978) in 2026, and the residential tax rate rises 3.49%. It also says the average home's assessment rose 4.11%, which together takes the sample bill from $2,167.83 to $2,335.71, a rise of $167.88 or 7.7% (worked out by us).
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
+52%roads and snow, 2019 to 2025
McMurrich-Monteith spent $542K on roads and snow in 2019 and $823K in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 6 of 31 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
+47%police, fire and safety, 2019 to 2025
McMurrich-Monteith spent $410K on police, fire and safety in 2019 and $605K in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
$282per home on council, 2025
McMurrich-Monteith spent about $282 per home on council in 2025. The typical similar town spent $110. Only 4 of 31 similar towns spent more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 1 source
Background that helps make sense of the rest.
$60,000the difference between $2,385,983 and $2,325,983 (worked out by us)
The operating budget table shows $2,385,983 of general taxation revenue, and the staff summary two pages later says $2,325,983 of municipal taxes are budgeted. The table also prints a "Total increase in operating budget from 2025 to 2026" of -$29,000, while the summary prints an increase in net operating budget of $97,914.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
22.79%rise in the fire department's net operating budget for 2026
The operating table shows fire's net budget rising from $239,382 to $293,947. The capital budget has $100,000 of spending on a fire department vehicle, with $30,000 of revenue, against $16,000 in 2025. Council directed staff on April 21, 2026 to source a command vehicle by direct purchase, not to exceed the approved budget amount.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
+75%running the town office, 2019 to 2025
McMurrich-Monteith spent $352K on running the town office in 2019 and $616K in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 1 of 31 similar towns had faster growth here.
| Year | Running the town office | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | −4% | +1% |
| 2021 | +16% | +4% |
| 2022 | +71% | +11% |
| 2023 | +70% | +16% |
| 2024 | +77% | +18% |
| 2025 | +75% | +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 McMurrich-Monteith? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Running the town office: 2019 $352K, 2020 $338K, 2021 $410K, 2022 $604K, 2023 $599K, 2024 $622K, 2025 $616K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Office and administration, from $120K to $223K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Typical growth among similar towns: 39%. McMurrich-Monteith ranks 2nd of 32.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 31 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 · archived copy
$654Kowed in unpaid property tax, end of 2025
At the end of 2025, $654K of property tax had been billed but not paid. That is 25% of everything billed. None of the 31 similar towns had a higher share. A year earlier it was $493K.
| Year | Unpaid property tax at year end |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $287K |
| 2020 | $306K |
| 2021 | $227K |
| 2022 | $286K |
| 2023 | $339K |
| 2024 | $493K |
| 2025 | $654K |
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.
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.
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Taxes receivable: 2019 $287K, 2020 $306K, 2021 $227K, 2022 $286K, 2023 $339K, 2024 $493K, 2025 $654K. Of the 2025 total, $194K was from earlier years.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 70, lines 0610 to 0699 · archived copy
Typical among similar towns: 10.1% of taxes billed.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 31 similar municipalities · Schedules 26 and 70 · archived copy
$1,278,824spent on capital assets in 2025, against $2,231,530 in the budget reconciliation (a gap of $952,706, worked out by us)
The statements' budget reconciliation shows $2,231,530 for buying and building long-lasting assets such as roads and bridges (the note does not say this is the capital budget, but it is the only capital figure it gives). The statements show $1,278,824 spent. Government transfers were $1,161,616 against a budget of $1,829,937. The Axe Lake Road bridge contract, signed in 2025 for $416,018, was only $41,902 done at year end.
Projects that slip are projects residents are still waiting for, and grants for them can be lost or delayed. A smaller 2025 spend also leaves more of the work, and more of the cost, to 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 McMurrich-Monteith? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 18 reconciles the adopted budget to the reported one. Its adjustments list "Acquisition of tangible capital assets" of 2,231,530, amortization of (465,341), accretion of (23,006) and an "Increase in long-term debt" of (393,563).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 18 Budget Figures, PDF page 26 (printed page 24; scanned image). The lines add to the annual surplus of 718,695
The cash flow statement shows Acquisition of tangible capital assets of $(1,278,824) in 2025 and $(1,335,035) in 2024. The statement of operations shows Government transfers of $1,829,937 (budget 2025), $1,161,616 (actual 2025) and $995,880 (actual 2024).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, PDF page 8 (printed page 6), and Consolidated Statements of Operations, PDF page 6 (printed page 4); scanned images. Cash flow lines reconcile $1,742,242 to $1,836,438; revenue lines add to $3,643,638
Note 13 says "In 2025, the Municipality entered into a contract ... for the replacement of Axe Lake Road bridge at a cost of $416,018. In 2025, $41,902 of work was completed. The balance of the work is expected to be completed in 2026."
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 13 Contractual Obligations, PDF page 20 (printed page 18; scanned image)
The 2026 capital budget lists "Replacement of Axe Lake bridge" with revenues of ($445,000) and expenses of $445,000. The draft minutes of April 7, 2026 record a council resolution that the replacement of the bridge "be delayed until the fall of 2026".
Agenda Package, Regular Council Meeting, April 7, 2026 (capital budget) and April 21, 2026 (draft minutes) · April 7 package PDF page 31, 2026 Capital Budget (scanned image); the draft minutes are on PDF pages 3 to 5 of https://irp.cdn-website.com/af131183/files/uploaded/8.+Agenda+Package+-+April+21-+2026.pdf (scanned image)
$393,563long-term debt at December 31, 2025, from nothing a year earlier
The Township had no long-term debt at the end of 2024. In 2025 it borrowed $393,563 through a provincial lender, repayable to 2050. The budget reconciliation in the statements also lists the debt.
Debt is repaid from taxes for 25 years (2025 to November 2050, by our count). Residents can fairly ask what the money paid for, and whether other money could have covered 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.
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The statement of financial position lists Cash and cash equivalents of $1,836,438, Investments of $1,194,282 and Long-term debt of $393,563 (2024: nothing).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, PDF page 5 (printed page 3; scanned image). Financial assets add to $4,001,394 and liabilities to $1,604,747
Note 9: "debenture, due November 2050, repayable in semi-annual payments of $13,395 including interest calculated at 4.65%, secured by future Provincial funding" with a balance of $393,563. Payments due in 2026 are principal $8,588 and interest $18,202. The cash flow statement shows Proceeds from long-term debt of $393,563.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 9 Long-Term Debt, PDF page 17 (printed page 15; scanned image). The yearly principal amounts add to $393,563. Cash flow statement, PDF page 8
Note 15 lists "Unfunded amounts - Long-term debt" of (393,563) in the accumulated surplus, and Note 18 lists "Increase in long-term debt" of (393,563) in the budget reconciliation.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 15 Accumulated Surplus, PDF page 22 (printed page 20), and Note 18, PDF page 26 (printed page 24); scanned images. Note 15's lines add to $8,980,935
$343,616the landfill closure liability at December 31, 2025, down from $585,878
The estimated cost to close and monitor the landfill fell from $585,878 to $343,616. The estimate of remaining space rose from 10,000 to 24,023 cubic metres, and the years to fill it from 10 to 32. In the same year the Township wrote off $265,266 of land and land improvements, nearly the same as the $265,268 cut in the estimate (worked out by us), and reported a $330,237 loss on disposal of assets.
A smaller liability makes the Township look healthier on paper, and a loss on disposal lowers the surplus. Both come from estimates and accounting entries, so residents cannot tell from the statements whether any real change happened.
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 McMurrich-Monteith? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 12: the liability was $585,878 at the start of 2025, with a change of $(265,268) "reflecting changes in the estimated cash flows, inflation and discount rate" and accretion of $23,006, ending at $343,616. "The estimated remaining capacity of the site is 24,023 cubic metres (2024 - 10,000 cubic metres), estimated to be filled in 32 years (2024 - 10 years)." "The Municipality has reserves of $302,057 (2024 - $302,057) to fund this obligation."
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 12 Asset Retirement Obligations, PDF page 20 (printed page 18; scanned image). 585,878 - 265,268 + 23,006 = 343,616
The cash flow statement lists Loss on disposal of tangible capital assets of $330,237 (2024: $25,472). Note 14 shows disposals and writedowns of $(265,266) in land and land improvements, and $(844,545) in total, against amortization disposals of $(514,308).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Cash flow statement, PDF page 8 (printed page 6), and Note 14 Tangible Capital Assets, PDF page 21 (printed page 19); scanned images. 844,545 - 514,308 = 330,237
$1,435,045the new Capital reserve at the end of 2025, after three reserves were emptied
Three reserves with $663,600, $491,057 and $310,213 at the start of 2025 ($1,464,870 in all, worked out by us) all end at nothing. A new reserve called Capital starts at nothing and ends at $1,435,045. Total reserves and reserve funds fell by $152,526 to $2,470,568, and the Modernization fund fell by $220,264.
Reserves are the savings residents have built up for repairs and replacements. Combining them can be good planning, but residents should be able to see the decision and what rules now govern the money.
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 McMurrich-Monteith? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 15's reserves table shows, for the beginning balance, annual change and end of year: Capital - , 1,435,045, 1,435,045; Buildings 663,600, (663,600), -; Roads 491,057, (491,057), -; Roads equipment 310,213, (310,213), -; Modernization fund 345,605, (220,264), 125,341. The total of reserves and reserve funds was 2,623,094, (152,526) and 2,470,568.
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 15 Accumulated Surplus, PDF page 22 (printed page 20; scanned image). The end-of-year reserve lines add to 2,470,568; the beginning lines add to 2,623,094
$167.88the 2026 rise on the Township's sample home bill ($2,167.83 to $2,335.71), about 7.7%
The Township's own summary says its total collected taxes rise 5.02% ($130,978) in 2026, and the residential tax rate rises 3.49%. It also says the average home's assessment rose 4.11%, which together takes the sample bill from $2,167.83 to $2,335.71, a rise of $167.88 or 7.7% (worked out by us).
Residents feel their own bill, not the Township's total. Several percentages in one table make it hard to see what grew and why.
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 McMurrich-Monteith? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The staff summary says: increase in net operating budget $97,914, increase in net capital budget $29,000, net increase in 2026 budget $126,914; municipal taxes budgeted $2,325,983 against $2,199,069; the increase is 5.77%. Total taxes budgeted $2,741,933 against $2,610,955, an increase of $130,978 or 5.02%.
Agenda Package, Regular Council Meeting, April 7, 2026 · PDF page 32, Overall 2026 Budget and Municipal Taxes (scanned image). $2,325,983 - $2,199,069 = $126,914; $2,741,933 - $2,610,955 = $130,978
"The average increase on assessment in McMurrich/Monteith for 2026 is 4.11%. The residential tax rate for 2025 was 1.010851. The residential tax rate for 2026 is 1.046139 an increase of 3.49%." The sample: assessment $214,456 and taxes $2,167.83 in 2025; assessment $223,270 and taxes $2,335.71 in 2026; "Average increase in taxes for 2026 $167.88 or $13.99 per month".
Agenda Package, Regular Council Meeting, April 7, 2026 · PDF page 32, Overall 2026 Budget and Municipal Taxes (scanned image). $223,270 x 0.01046139 = $2,335.71
The draft minutes of April 7, 2026 record resolution 2026-78: council passed "Bylaw 21-2026 to adopt the budget estimates and set final tax rates for the year" on first, second and third readings. The April 21 minutes approve the April 7 minutes (resolution 2026-84).
Agenda Package, Regular Council Meeting, April 21, 2026 (draft April 7 minutes) and Minutes of April 21, 2026 · PDF page 5, resolution 2026-78 (scanned image); approval in https://irp.cdn-website.com/af131183/files/uploaded/8.+Minutes+April+21-+2026.pdf, page 2, resolution 2026-84
+52%roads and snow, 2019 to 2025
McMurrich-Monteith spent $542K on roads and snow in 2019 and $823K in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 6 of 31 similar towns had faster growth here.
| Year | Roads and snow | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | −7% | +1% |
| 2021 | −14% | +4% |
| 2022 | +8% | +11% |
| 2023 | −9% | +16% |
| 2024 | +45% | +18% |
| 2025 | +52% | +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 McMurrich-Monteith? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Roads and snow: 2019 $542K, 2020 $507K, 2021 $468K, 2022 $584K, 2023 $492K, 2024 $786K, 2025 $823K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Gravel roads, from $204K to $372K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Typical growth among similar towns: 31%. McMurrich-Monteith ranks 7th of 32.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 31 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 · archived copy
+47%police, fire and safety, 2019 to 2025
McMurrich-Monteith spent $410K on police, fire and safety in 2019 and $605K in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
| Year | Police, fire and safety | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | +0% | +1% |
| 2021 | +16% | +4% |
| 2022 | +24% | +11% |
| 2023 | +39% | +16% |
| 2024 | +36% | +18% |
| 2025 | +47% | +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 McMurrich-Monteith? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Police, fire and safety: 2019 $410K, 2020 $412K, 2021 $476K, 2022 $508K, 2023 $572K, 2024 $560K, 2025 $605K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Fire department, from $134K to $210K.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
$282per home on council, 2025
McMurrich-Monteith spent about $282 per home on council in 2025. The typical similar town spent $110. Only 4 of 31 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 McMurrich-Monteith? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Council per home: McMurrich-Monteith $282; typical similar town $110; ranked 5th highest of 32.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 31 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy
$60,000the difference between $2,385,983 and $2,325,983 (worked out by us)
The operating budget table shows $2,385,983 of general taxation revenue, and the staff summary two pages later says $2,325,983 of municipal taxes are budgeted. The table also prints a "Total increase in operating budget from 2025 to 2026" of -$29,000, while the summary prints an increase in net operating budget of $97,914.
A budget readers cannot reconcile is hard to trust, even when each page may be correct on its own terms. The package is marked "approved", so these are the figures residents are given.
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 McMurrich-Monteith? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The operating budget table, titled "2026 APPROVED BUDGET OPERATING BUDGET", shows General taxation 2026 revenues ($2,385,983), expenses $49,580 and 2026 net budget ($2,336,403). Total Operating Budget shows revenues ($3,847,559), expenses $3,513,184 and net ($334,375). The line below reads "Total increase in operating budget from 2025 to 2026 -$29,000".
Agenda Package, Regular Council Meeting, April 7, 2026 · PDF page 29, 2026 Approved Budget, Operating Budget (scanned image). The 17 expense lines add to $3,513,184 and the 2026 net lines add to ($334,375)
The summary says "Municipal taxes budgeted to be collected in 2026 $2,325,983" and "Increase in net operating budget $97,914".
Agenda Package, Regular Council Meeting, April 7, 2026 · PDF page 32, Overall 2026 Budget and Municipal Taxes (scanned image)
22.79%rise in the fire department's net operating budget for 2026
The operating table shows fire's net budget rising from $239,382 to $293,947. The capital budget has $100,000 of spending on a fire department vehicle, with $30,000 of revenue, against $16,000 in 2025. Council directed staff on April 21, 2026 to source a command vehicle by direct purchase, not to exceed the approved budget amount.
Fire protection is a service residents rely on, and the budget line grew faster than most. Residents should be able to see why, and how the vehicle was chosen.
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 McMurrich-Monteith? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The operating table shows Fire with a 2025 net budget of $239,382, 2026 revenues of ($3,100), expenses of $297,047, a 2026 net budget of $293,947 and a change of 22.79%.
Agenda Package, Regular Council Meeting, April 7, 2026 · PDF page 29, 2026 Approved Budget, Operating Budget (scanned image). The 2026 net column adds to ($334,375)
The capital budget's fire section shows a vehicle line with 2025 net budget $16,000, 2026 revenues ($30,000), expenses $100,000 and net $70,000, and Total capital fire of $115,800 expenses and a 337.50% change.
Agenda Package, Regular Council Meeting, April 7, 2026 · PDF page 31, 2026 Capital Budget (scanned image). Capital expenses add to $1,954,800
Resolution 2026-90: council received the fire department's report on RFP 2026-01 ("1500 Series Pickup Truck or SUV") and directed staff "to proceed with direct sourcing a command vehicle, with a maximum expenditure not to exceed the approved budgeted amount and to report back to Council within 90 days with the selected vehicle details, final cost and funding breakdown prior to final purchase."
Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting, April 21, 2026 · page 3, resolution 2026-90