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by hand, Oct 2026DetailsThis is built from public records, which leave a lot out, and some of it may be wrong or out of date.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 Milton'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 · 10 so far
Things worth asking about
We read Milton's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 12 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.
$33.9 millionof landowner cash flow assistance drawn in 2024, to be repaid no later than June 30, 2028
Development charges are fees builders pay so that growth pays for the roads, parks and other things new neighbourhoods need. A letter of credit is a bank promise a developer lodges as security. The Town's audited 2024 statements (printed in thousands of dollars) show cash rising from 56,425 to 157,223, which is $56.4 million to $157.2 million. The Town says the rise came from development charges collected ahead of spending and from 'roads cash flow assistance' from landowners. Note 7 says the Town drew on those letters of credit in 2024 for 33,926 (about $33.9 million) and must repay the landowners no later than June 2028. In June 2026 the Treasurer reported that the development charge funds held $58.5 million before commitments, but after counting spending already promised and exemptions the Town funds, the net balance is a deficit of $16.6 million, covered for now by that interim money. The Town has said when it must repay. We did not find a plan for how.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
9.83%forecast local tax rate pressure for 2028 (7.82% for 2027), after 6.94% in 2026
The local part of a property tax bill pays for Town services; Halton Region and the school boards charge their own parts. The Town's final local increase was 9.89% in 2025 and is 6.94% in 2026, when its levy (the amount raised from property taxes) is $123,723,070, up from $111,340,110. In December 2025 the Treasurer forecast local tax rate pressure of 7.82% in 2027 and 9.83% in 2028, largely from the cost of serving new neighbourhoods, saving for new roads and buildings, transit and firefighters. The Town's multi-year plan aims for total yearly increases (Town, Region and schools together) of 4.5% to 7.0%, and the 2026 total is 4.74%. That forecast was built on a 7.94% increase for 2026, before council settled on 6.94%. The Town says it will look for ways to reduce future pressure.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
$64.7 millionforecast at the end of 2026 in the roads, structures and traffic renewal reserve, against a target of $331.5 million
A reserve is money set aside for later costs. The 2026 budget (figures in thousands of dollars) forecasts the roads, structures and traffic renewal reserve at 64,726 at the end of 2026 against a target of 331,452, and the recreation and facilities renewal reserve at 26,594 against 152,735. That is about $64.7 million against $331.5 million, and $26.6 million against $152.7 million. In April 2026 the Treasurer wrote that the infrastructure renewal reserves "continue to be well below target". To hold the 2026 tax increase down, the Town cut its planned extra funding to close this gap; the budget still adds $0.75 million a year. The Tax Rate Stabilization reserve (a cushion for tax shocks) is forecast at 5,486 against a target of 10,503.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
December 14, 2026date the 2025 Financial Report is scheduled for council, against June 3, 2025 for the 2024 auditor's report
Audited statements are the yearly accounts checked by an outside auditor. For 2024, the auditor's report is dated June 3, 2025 and the Treasurer's approval May 26, 2025. For 2025 the Treasurer told council in April 2026 that, because of the timing of the Town's new financial software, the audit is scheduled for early fall 2026 and the 2025 Financial Report is scheduled for council on December 14, 2026. The Town did publish an unaudited 2025 estimate in April 2026: an operating surplus of $4,129,919.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
94.8%of 2025 property tax paid as of January 5, 2026, against 96.0% a year earlier and 97.1% two years earlier
The Town collects property tax for itself, Halton Region and the school boards. The Treasurer's April 2026 report shows, as of January 5 each year, the share of that year's tax paid: 97.1% for 2023, 96.0% for 2024 and 94.8% for 2025. The unpaid part grew from $7,889,510 to $10,076,270 to $12,848,885, and properties with arrears grew from 3,752 to 4,631 to 6,273. These figures include the Region's and schools' shares. The report lists $1.4 million more penalties and interest on taxes receivable than budgeted among the reasons for the 2025 surplus. We did not find the Town explaining why more bills are late. The audited statements show taxes receivable of 13,986 (thousand) at the end of 2024 against 10,804 a year earlier.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$5,001raise per councillor, from $48,892 to $53,893 a year, starting November 15, 2026
On July 13, 2026 a staff report recommended raising the base yearly salary of a Councillor by $5,001, from $48,892 to $53,893, effective November 15, 2026, when the new term begins, and keeping the Mayor's salary at $136,447. That adds $40,008 a year across eight councillors. Under a 2014 policy, council pay is reviewed in the last year of each term and set at the middle (50th percentile) of nine comparison municipalities that answered. The report also raises each Town Councillor's expense allowance from $1,200 to $1,500. The expense policy attached to the report shows an approval date of July 13, 2026; we did not read the minutes to confirm the vote. In 2025 Councillors Colin Best, Richard Malboeuf and George Minakakis also received pay for sitting on Milton Hydro boards, shown in the same yearly statement. Councillor Adil Khalqi's 2025 row prints a total of $64,571, but its columns add to $64,473.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$32,079,975of $65,344,316 in 2024 contract awards made under the four limited tendering categories (our total of the report's rows)
The Town's year-end procurement report lists 306 contract awards in 2024 worth $65,344,316. Four rows are called limited tendering: contract renewal (57 awards, $8,100,904), contract increase (34, $8,958,716), legacy, compatibility, EAS and other (82, $14,763,430) and low value (17, $256,925). Added together that is 190 awards and $32,079,975, about half the value. Limited tendering usually means buying from a chosen supplier instead of asking for open bids; the report does not define the term. Open tenders were 57 awards worth $24,319,779. The report says the Town also posts procurement results on its website, and that tenders drew an average of 6.2 responses. We did not find a 2025 year-end summary among the council reports listed for 2026.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
In 2024, Milton collected $11.2M more in its own property tax than in 2023. That is a 12% jump, while prices went up about 2.4%. None of the 12 similar towns raised theirs by more. Almost all of it came from a higher tax rate (up 10% for homes); the value of homes on the tax roll grew only 1.1%.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 4 sources
$149.1 millionof new debenture funding anticipated over the 10-year forecast, against $40.9 million of debt at the end of 2025
The Town ended 2025 with $40.9 million of debt outstanding, down from $46.8 million, with another $7.4 million approved by council but not yet issued. The 2026 budget assumes $2.5 million of new borrowing in 2026 and $149.1 million of new debentures (a debenture is a long-term loan) over the next ten years. The Town says it expects to stay within the Province's and its own limits if it keeps working to shrink its infrastructure funding gap. At the end of 2024 its debt payments were 3.85% of own-source revenue, against a Town guideline of 15%, or up to 20% with debt not paid from taxes, and a provincial limit of 25%.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$33.9 millionof landowner cash flow assistance drawn in 2024, to be repaid no later than June 30, 2028
Development charges are fees builders pay so that growth pays for the roads, parks and other things new neighbourhoods need. A letter of credit is a bank promise a developer lodges as security. The Town's audited 2024 statements (printed in thousands of dollars) show cash rising from 56,425 to 157,223, which is $56.4 million to $157.2 million. The Town says the rise came from development charges collected ahead of spending and from 'roads cash flow assistance' from landowners. Note 7 says the Town drew on those letters of credit in 2024 for 33,926 (about $33.9 million) and must repay the landowners no later than June 2028. In June 2026 the Treasurer reported that the development charge funds held $58.5 million before commitments, but after counting spending already promised and exemptions the Town funds, the net balance is a deficit of $16.6 million, covered for now by that interim money. The Town has said when it must repay. We did not find a plan for how.
Why it matters
Money owed back to developers in 2028 is a bill on a fixed date. If highway development charges come in slowly, other money has to cover it.
It could be because…
The agreements allowed the Town to draw the letters of credit to cover a gap in highway development charges, and the Town says it was drawn for that purpose.
Highway development charges are collected as homes and businesses are built, so a gap in the early years is normal when roads are built first.
The $16.6 million deficit is a projection after counting promised spending, not money that has gone missing. The Town holds $58.5 million in the funds.
The 10-year capital plan may already include money for the repayment; we did not find where.
Questions you could ask
What is the plan, year by year, to repay the $33.9 million by June 30, 2028, and which money will be used?
How much highway development charge money does the Town expect to collect before June 2028, and what happens if it collects less?
How does the 2027 budget treat the $16.6 million shortfall?
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 Milton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Note 7 (in thousands of dollars) lists 'Road cash flow assistance' of 33,926 for 2024 and nothing for 2023, inside developer obligations of 54,797 (2023: 19,922). It says: "the Town drew down the letters of credit in 2024 in a total amount of $33,926" and that reimbursement to the landowners "is required no later than June 2028." The statement of financial position shows cash and cash equivalents of 157,223 against 56,425 a year earlier.
The Town's discussion says the $100.8 million rise in cash was "due to development charge revenues collected as well as the roads cash flow assistance received from landowners", and that developer liabilities rose "as the funds from cashflow assistance are repayable no later than 2028".
The Treasurer wrote that development charge balances "increased from $40.1 million to $58.5 million" and that when exemptions, instalments owed and outstanding commitments are counted "the net balance at year end is a deficit of $16.6 million", offset by cash flow assistance: "the full $33.9 million of cash flow assistance was drawn upon during 2024 to address the shortfall in the services related to a highway DC reserve fund." The Town "is required to repay the cash flow assistance in full no later than June 30, 2028."
Attachment 2 (reserve and reserve fund table, an image page with a text layer) carries the note: "Development Charges balance includes the $33.9 million in Cash Flow Assistance that will be repaid in 2028 and is currently on the Town's Balance Sheet as a Liability."
9.83%forecast local tax rate pressure for 2028 (7.82% for 2027), after 6.94% in 2026
The local part of a property tax bill pays for Town services; Halton Region and the school boards charge their own parts. The Town's final local increase was 9.89% in 2025 and is 6.94% in 2026, when its levy (the amount raised from property taxes) is $123,723,070, up from $111,340,110. In December 2025 the Treasurer forecast local tax rate pressure of 7.82% in 2027 and 9.83% in 2028, largely from the cost of serving new neighbourhoods, saving for new roads and buildings, transit and firefighters. The Town's multi-year plan aims for total yearly increases (Town, Region and schools together) of 4.5% to 7.0%, and the 2026 total is 4.74%. That forecast was built on a 7.94% increase for 2026, before council settled on 6.94%. The Town says it will look for ways to reduce future pressure.
Why it matters
Two more increases near 8% and 10% on top of the last two would add up fast for households, whatever the Region and the schools do.
It could be because…
A forecast is an early warning, not a decision. The report says the Town "will look for opportunities to mitigate those future pressures", and the 2026 pressure was first forecast at up to 13.05% before it was brought down.
Much of the cost is for new neighbourhoods. Growth also brings new taxpayers: assessment growth was 3.912% in 2026, which spreads the levy over more homes.
The forecast used a 7.94% base for 2026. Council approved 6.94%, so the later years may differ.
The Town's total yearly tax increase for 2026 (4.74%) is inside its own 4.5% to 7.0% target.
Questions you could ask
Now that 2026 was set at 6.94%, what does the Town's current forecast show for 2027 and 2028?
How much of the forecast is for new-growth costs, and how much for services residents already have?
Which services, staff or reserve contributions would the Town cut to keep the 2027 local increase under 7%?
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 Milton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
"On December 1, 2025, Milton Council approved the Municipal 2026 levy requirement of $123,723,070 for Town Services including library (originally approved figure of $122,994,886 was subsequently adjusted for final assessment growth in accordance with Council direction)." The table shows Tax Increase 6.94% (2026) and 9.89% (2025), Net Levy Requirement $123,723,070 and $111,340,110, and Assessment Growth 3.912% and 2.159%.
"The $865.15 cost per $100,000 of residential assessment for 2026 represents a 4.74% increase over 2025. Of this amount, the local municipal share is $379.29 per $100,000 of residential assessment, which is an increase of 6.94% over the Town's 2025 cost."
"Previous forecasting for 2026 suggested a local property tax rate pressure of up to 13.05%." The forecast says "the Town can expect a tax rate pressure of $29.96 and $40.60 per $100,000 of residential assessment in each of 2027 and 2028. This equates to an estimated 7.82% and 9.83% residential tax rate pressure at the local level in those years." The Multi-Year Financial Strategy set "the annual target for the total property tax rate increase (inclusive of the Town, Region and Province)" "between 4.5% and 7.0%".
Attachment 3, 2027-28 Operating Forecast (an image page with a text layer): Total Increase in Levy $14,334 (11.16%) in 2027 and $18,014 (12.64%) in 2028; Total Tax Levy $138,483 and $156,497; Estimated Assessment Growth (net of reductions) ($4,284) and ($4,002); Forecasted Net Tax Levy Increase $10,050 (7.82%) and $14,012 (9.83%).
"The 2026 budget, as presented, represents an estimated 7.94% change in local portion of the residential property tax rate (or $28.17 per $100,000 of residential assessment)." The forecast: "Based on a 2026 tax rate increase of $28.17 per $100,000 of assessment".
$64.7 millionforecast at the end of 2026 in the roads, structures and traffic renewal reserve, against a target of $331.5 million
A reserve is money set aside for later costs. The 2026 budget (figures in thousands of dollars) forecasts the roads, structures and traffic renewal reserve at 64,726 at the end of 2026 against a target of 331,452, and the recreation and facilities renewal reserve at 26,594 against 152,735. That is about $64.7 million against $331.5 million, and $26.6 million against $152.7 million. In April 2026 the Treasurer wrote that the infrastructure renewal reserves "continue to be well below target". To hold the 2026 tax increase down, the Town cut its planned extra funding to close this gap; the budget still adds $0.75 million a year. The Tax Rate Stabilization reserve (a cushion for tax shocks) is forecast at 5,486 against a target of 10,503.
Why it matters
When roads and buildings wear out, the money has to come from these reserves, new debt or higher taxes. The gap shows how much of that bill is not yet saved.
It could be because…
A target is a long-run goal, not a balance due now. The roads reserve is forecast to grow from 56,132 (end of 2024) to 64,726 (end of 2026).
Many roads, parks and pipes were built recently, some by developers, and will not need replacing for decades.
The Town's forecast adds money each year for new assets ($2,090 thousand in 2027 and $5,579 thousand in 2028 for 'State of Good Repair for Constructed & Assumed Assets') and $750 thousand a year toward the existing gap.
Debt or grants may pay for some replacements, so reserves would not need to cover the whole target.
Questions you could ask
How much would the Town have to add each year to reach each renewal reserve target, and by what year?
Which roads and buildings are most likely to need replacing before the reserves are ready?
What does the 2027 budget add beyond the $0.75 million a 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 Milton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Attachment 2 (reserve table, an image page with a text layer, in $ thousands) lists Infrastructure Renewal - Roads & Structures, Traffic: Dec 31, 2024 balance 56,132, estimated Dec 31, 2026 balance 64,726, 2026 reserve target 331,452. Infrastructure Renewal - Recreation, Facilities, Misc.: 15,212, 26,594, target 152,735. Tax Rate Stabilization: 7,350, 5,486, target 10,503.
"The Infrastructure Renewal Reserves continue to be well below target. The Town should continue its strategy of budgeting for a lifecycle contribution to those reserves for any new assets and, subject to the budget process, investing additional incremental amounts annually within the operating budget to reduce the deficit over time." It also says the Tax Rate Stabilization and Growth Capital - Other reserves "are each below their target balance by approximately $3.0 million."
To bring the 2026 pressure from up to 13.05% to 7.94% the Town took steps including a "Reduction to the planned incremental funding to reduce the infrastructure deficit". The Asset Management Plan "re-confirmed that the Town's contributions to capital reserves will require augmentation through future budgets", and the 2026 budget "assumes an incremental $0.75 million annual contribution".
Attachment 3 lists Infrastructure Deficit $750 in each of 2027 and 2028, and State of Good Repair for Constructed & Assumed Assets $2,090 (2027) and $5,579 (2028), in $ thousands.
December 14, 2026date the 2025 Financial Report is scheduled for council, against June 3, 2025 for the 2024 auditor's report
Audited statements are the yearly accounts checked by an outside auditor. For 2024, the auditor's report is dated June 3, 2025 and the Treasurer's approval May 26, 2025. For 2025 the Treasurer told council in April 2026 that, because of the timing of the Town's new financial software, the audit is scheduled for early fall 2026 and the 2025 Financial Report is scheduled for council on December 14, 2026. The Town did publish an unaudited 2025 estimate in April 2026: an operating surplus of $4,129,919.
Why it matters
The audited statements are the outside check on the Town's own numbers. Voters will choose a council without them.
It could be because…
The Town gives its reason: the "implementation timing of the new financial management software". A new accounting system can delay a year-end close.
The Town reported unaudited year-end figures to council on April 13, 2026, so some information is public.
A later audit is not by itself a sign of a problem; the auditor's opinion on 2024 was clean.
Questions you could ask
Is December 14, 2026 still the date, and will the Town release audited figures or the auditor's draft findings sooner?
Did the software change affect any other yearly reports to council or the Province?
Will the Town post the 2025 Financial Report on its financial reports page the day council receives 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 Milton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
"Due to the implementation timing of the new financial management software for the Town, the audit of the 2025 financial position is scheduled for early fall 2026 and the final results will be confirmed in the 2025 Financial Report that is scheduled to be presented at the December 14, 2026 Council meeting." The unaudited surplus is "estimated at $4,129,919".
The Deloitte LLP auditor's report on the 2024 consolidated statements is dated June 3, 2025 and says the statements "present fairly". The Treasurer's discussion ends: "All financial information contained within the 2024 Financial Report has been reviewed and approved by the Treasurer, with final approval of Council." and is dated May 26, 2025.
94.8%of 2025 property tax paid as of January 5, 2026, against 96.0% a year earlier and 97.1% two years earlier
The Town collects property tax for itself, Halton Region and the school boards. The Treasurer's April 2026 report shows, as of January 5 each year, the share of that year's tax paid: 97.1% for 2023, 96.0% for 2024 and 94.8% for 2025. The unpaid part grew from $7,889,510 to $10,076,270 to $12,848,885, and properties with arrears grew from 3,752 to 4,631 to 6,273. These figures include the Region's and schools' shares. The report lists $1.4 million more penalties and interest on taxes receivable than budgeted among the reasons for the 2025 surplus. We did not find the Town explaining why more bills are late. The audited statements show taxes receivable of 13,986 (thousand) at the end of 2024 against 10,804 a year earlier.
Why it matters
Unpaid taxes tie up cash the Town needs for its bills, and a rising count of properties in arrears can be an early sign of household money strain.
It could be because…
Bills are larger each year (the final levy rose from $248,702,396 to $294,990,854), so the dollars unpaid grow even at the same share.
The share depends on due dates and when payments arrive around year end, and this is a snapshot on January 5.
Late payers pay penalties and interest, which the Town budgets for, so some lateness is built into its plans.
Questions you could ask
Why did the number of properties in arrears go from 3,752 to 6,273 between 2023 and 2025?
How much of the $12,848,885 past due for 2025 has been paid since January 5, and what does the Town do to collect it?
How much of the unpaid amount is the Town's own share and how much belongs to the Region and school boards?
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 Milton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
The property tax collection table (includes Town, Region and school shares) shows for tax year 2025: 44,608 billable properties, 6,273 properties with arrears as of Jan 5, final levy 294,990,854, current year collections 279,593,103, current year past due 12,848,885, 94.8% paid. For 2024: 43,389, 4,631, 267,512,218, 256,835,650, 10,076,270, 96.0%. For 2023: 42,788, 3,752, 248,702,396, 241,571,126, 7,889,510, 97.1%.
Note 2: "Taxes receivable of $13,986 (2023 - $10,804) reported on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position include supplementary taxes of $1,422 (2023 - $1,675) recorded in 2024 as earned, but not due until 2025." (in thousands of dollars)
$5,001raise per councillor, from $48,892 to $53,893 a year, starting November 15, 2026
On July 13, 2026 a staff report recommended raising the base yearly salary of a Councillor by $5,001, from $48,892 to $53,893, effective November 15, 2026, when the new term begins, and keeping the Mayor's salary at $136,447. That adds $40,008 a year across eight councillors. Under a 2014 policy, council pay is reviewed in the last year of each term and set at the middle (50th percentile) of nine comparison municipalities that answered. The report also raises each Town Councillor's expense allowance from $1,200 to $1,500. The expense policy attached to the report shows an approval date of July 13, 2026; we did not read the minutes to confirm the vote. In 2025 Councillors Colin Best, Richard Malboeuf and George Minakakis also received pay for sitting on Milton Hydro boards, shown in the same yearly statement. Councillor Adil Khalqi's 2025 row prints a total of $64,571, but its columns add to $64,473.
Why it matters
A council sets its own pay, so the reasons and the vote should be easy to see. The raise is paid to whoever wins in October, but it was decided before voters chose.
It could be because…
The 2014 policy requires a pay review in the last year of every term, and the raise would start with the new term, not mid-term.
The report compares pay with nine similar municipalities and sets pay at their median. The Mayor's pay is staying put because it is within 0.35% of that median.
The report says the last change to council salaries outside the yearly adjustments took effect in November 2022.
Expense claims were small: the report says council spent less than $1,000 a year in expenses from 2023 through 2025.
Milton Hydro board pay is for separate work on the utility's boards, and the Town discloses it in the same yearly statement.
Questions you could ask
Did council vote on the raise on July 13, 2026, and how did each member vote?
Was leaving the decision to the new council considered, and why was it not chosen?
Can the Treasurer confirm Councillor Khalqi's 2025 total, printed as $64,571 while the columns add to $64,473?
Why is Milton Hydro board pay not part of the council pay review?
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 Milton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
"THAT the base annual salary for the position of Councillor be increased by $5,001 in accordance with the Council Compensation policy, effective November 15, 2026". The comparison table shows Mayor $136,447 now against $135,973 at the 50th percentile of the comparator group, and Councillor $48,892 now against $53,893. "The recommendations in this report related to Council base compensation will result in an annual increase of $5,001 per councillor ($40,008 overall) with no change to the salary of the Mayor." Expense allowance: "an adjustment from $1,200/year to $1,500/year per Town councillor".
The 2025 statement lists salary of $47,005 for each of Councillors Ali, Best, Ijaz, Khalqi, Malboeuf and Marshall, $40,404 for Councillor Challinor II and $131,181 for Mayor Krantz. Totals printed include $62,388 (Ali and Best), $64,571 (Khalqi), $144,814 (Krantz) and an overall total of $581,180. Councillor Khalqi's row lists benefits $13,170, professional development $3,413 and council expenses $885.
Milton Hydro Holdings Inc. and Milton Hydro Distribution Inc. board pay in 2025 includes Best, Colin $16,110, Malboeuf, Richard $17,844 and Minakakis, George $16,510, within a total of $147,954.
$32,079,975of $65,344,316 in 2024 contract awards made under the four limited tendering categories (our total of the report's rows)
The Town's year-end procurement report lists 306 contract awards in 2024 worth $65,344,316. Four rows are called limited tendering: contract renewal (57 awards, $8,100,904), contract increase (34, $8,958,716), legacy, compatibility, EAS and other (82, $14,763,430) and low value (17, $256,925). Added together that is 190 awards and $32,079,975, about half the value. Limited tendering usually means buying from a chosen supplier instead of asking for open bids; the report does not define the term. Open tenders were 57 awards worth $24,319,779. The report says the Town also posts procurement results on its website, and that tenders drew an average of 6.2 responses. We did not find a 2025 year-end summary among the council reports listed for 2026.
Why it matters
Open bidding is how a town checks it is getting a fair price. Where it is skipped, the reasons and the supplier names should be easy to see.
It could be because…
Renewing an existing contract or adding to it can be cheaper than re-bidding, and many are for services the Town already runs.
'Legacy, compatibility' awards may be for equipment or software that has to match what the Town already owns.
The Town's purchasing by-law allows limited tendering in set cases, and the report says procurement staff were updating the by-law in 2025.
The 2024 report is the last full year we found; 2025 may look different.
Questions you could ask
What was the 2025 breakdown of tenders and limited tendering?
Which of the 34 contract increases ($8,958,716) were largest, and why were they not re-bid?
Where on the Town's website can residents see the supplier name and value of each limited tender award?
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 Milton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
"In 2024, 306 contract awards were centrally authorized and/or reported upon, for a total commitment value of $65,344,316." The table lists Tender 57, $24,319,779; Proposal 16, $3,509,756; Consulting Services (Roster) 35, $5,041,986; Limited Tendering: Contract Renewal 57, $8,100,904; Limited Tendering: Contract Increase 34, $8,958,716; Limited Tendering: Legacy, Compatibility, EAS and Other 82, $14,763,430; Limited Tendering: Low Value 17, $256,925; Emergency 4, $392,820; Total 306, $65,344,316.
"The Town also posts procurement results online on the Town's website on an ongoing basis." "For tenders, the average number of responses per bid was 6.2". "2024 saw the same number of awards as 2023, along with a 26% decrease in the value of those awards".
In 2024, Milton collected $11.2M more in its own property tax than in 2023. That is a 12% jump, while prices went up about 2.4%. None of the 12 similar towns raised theirs by more. Almost all of it came from a higher tax rate (up 10% for homes); the value of homes on the tax roll grew only 1.1%.
Why did Milton's property tax go up 12% in 2024?
$0$20M$40M$60M$80M$100M$120M
$103M
201920202021202220232024
Show as a table
Year
Town property tax
2019
$67.3M
2020
$72.7M
2021
$77M
2022
$83.3M
2023
$92.1M
2024
$103M
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 $260 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 Milton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Town property tax: $92,054,908 in 2023, $103,261,669 in 2024.
$149.1 millionof new debenture funding anticipated over the 10-year forecast, against $40.9 million of debt at the end of 2025
The Town ended 2025 with $40.9 million of debt outstanding, down from $46.8 million, with another $7.4 million approved by council but not yet issued. The 2026 budget assumes $2.5 million of new borrowing in 2026 and $149.1 million of new debentures (a debenture is a long-term loan) over the next ten years. The Town says it expects to stay within the Province's and its own limits if it keeps working to shrink its infrastructure funding gap. At the end of 2024 its debt payments were 3.85% of own-source revenue, against a Town guideline of 15%, or up to 20% with debt not paid from taxes, and a provincial limit of 25%.
Why it matters
Today's debt is modest by the Town's own measure. A plan to borrow more than three times as much over ten years changes that, and the payments come ahead of other spending.
It could be because…
The Town says debentures spread the cost of long-lived projects over the years people use them, and it forecasts staying within the Province's and Council's limits.
Part of any new borrowing may be repaid from development charges, not property taxes. We did not find the split.
A forecast is a ceiling for planning, and each loan still needs council approval.
Questions you could ask
What would the Town's debt payment ratio be in each of the next ten years if all $149.1 million is borrowed?
Which projects would the borrowing pay for, and how much would be repaid from taxes rather than development charges?
How does the planned borrowing fit with repaying the $33.9 million of cash flow assistance by June 2028?
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 Milton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
"Within the 2026 budget, $2.5 million of debenture financing has been assumed. Over the 10-year forecast period, a total of $149.1 million in new debenture funding is anticipated. Milton is forecasted to remain within the stated debenture capacity limits of the Province and Council assuming the continuation of the Town's strategies to gradually reduce the existing infrastructure deficit."
"The Town ended 2025 with $40.9 million in total debt outstanding and made $5.9 million in scheduled debenture repayments during the year." "$7.4 million of debt that has been previously approved by Council remains yet to be issued." The table shows total debt of $46,780 (Dec 31, 2024), principal payments of $(5,864) and $40,916 (Dec 31, 2025), in $ thousands.
"The Town's current debt capacity ratio of 3.85% is well within the guidelines set by both the Province and Town Council." Ontario Regulation 403/02 allows a maximum of 25% of own source revenues, which "in 2024 equaled $41.8 million"; "Through Council direction, Milton has further restrictive guidelines of 15% and up to 20% with the inclusion of non-tax supported debt."
Milton spent about $136 per home on snow ploughing in 2024. The typical similar town spent $61. None of the 12 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 Milton?Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The evidence
Snow ploughing per home: Milton $136; typical similar town $61; ranked 1st highest of 13.
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