Questions · 10 so far
We read Perth's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 78 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
$149per home on council, 2024
Perth spent about $149 per home on council in 2024. The typical similar town spent $57. Only 6 of 78 similar towns spent more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 1 source
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
$50Mof new debt expected by 2034, against about $40M of room under the current limit (the Town's words)
A town may only borrow so much each year: the province sets an annual repayment limit, which is the most a town can pay out each year on its debts. The 2026 budget says the Town expects to need $50M in new debt between 2026 and 2034, and that this is more than the $40M its current limit would allow. The 2026 budget asks Council to borrow $2M more. After the end of 2025 the Town says it obtained $3.3 million in financing, and it has signed a $4.3 million contract for a new municipal building to be paid for with outside financing.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$4,653,188spent on capital in 2025, against a budget of $11,160,915
Capital spending is money spent on things that last, such as roads, pipes and buildings. The 2025 budget planned $11,160,915 of it. The audited statements show $4,653,188 was spent. The Town also says Council approved carrying about $4.8 million of projects over into 2026, and that it has a $3.7 million wastewater plant commitment to be paid by a government grant. The Town's own note explains that its budget was not set on the same basis as its statements, which accounts for some of the difference in the surplus.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
September 22, 2026date of the 2025 auditor's report (2024: June 24, 2025)
An audit is an outside accountant's check that a town's yearly statements are fair. The 2024 auditor's report is dated June 24, 2025. The 2025 report is dated September 22, 2026, which is 90 days later in the calendar year (worked out by us). Both are from KPMG LLP and both are clean. The 2024 report was signed in "Perth, Canada" and the 2025 one in "Kingston, Canada". The 2026 budget was adopted in December 2025 and says the cost of projects carried forward from 2025 is not approved until the audit is done. The 2025 auditor's opinion also names "the Corporation of the Township of Perth", though the Town is not a township.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$17,295,055cash at December 31, 2025, up from $8,569,397 a year earlier
At the end of 2025 the Town held $17,295,055 in cash, up from $8,569,397. The statements say all of its guaranteed investment certificates (GICs, bank deposits locked in for a term) matured during 2025 and were not reinvested. The line for GICs shows nothing for 2025 and $9,947,698 for 2024. After year end the Town says it took on $3.3 million of new financing. The 2026 budget counts on investment income of $500K.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
476,033estimated cost of the Tay Basin parking lot in the 2026 capital list
The 2026 capital list includes the Tay Basin parking lot at an estimated cost of 476,033. The note beside it says: "Basin area, critical for tourism and general parking capacity- price appears high for general asphalt replacement". The total capital budget is $ 3,773,146. The Town's December 10, 2025 release names "Tay Basin parking lot upgrades" among the major projects.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$35 vs $182.65the yearly water and sewer impact, in the budget and in the release
The adopted budget says the 6% water and sewer increase would add "$35" a year for an average household. The Town's December 10, 2025 release, for a home assessed at $350,000, gives the tax increase as $244.28, the capital levy as $34.90, and the water and sewer increase as $182.65 "based on average 2025 billing", and puts the combined monthly cost at "approximately $28.75". Adding the three annual amounts and dividing by 12 gives $38.49 a month (worked out by us).
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
Background that helps make sense of the rest.
$375,000.00of $622,800.00 in 2026 one-time operating projects
The 2026 budget lists one-time operating projects totalling $622,800.00. The largest, $375,000.00, is labelled "Endeavour Solutions (approved by council go live financial system 2026". A financial system is the software the Town uses for its accounts, payroll and billing. The budget gives the Town's own note that Council approved it, but this page does not show the full price or yearly fees.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 1 source
7% and 6%2026 increases in property tax and in water and sewer rates, plus a 1% capital levy
A reserve is money set aside for later, such as replacing a road. The 2026 budget asks Council for a 7% tax increase, a 6% water and sewer increase and a new 1% capital levy of $98,837. The budget itself says reserves are expected to keep declining through 2034 and that continuing rate increases will be needed to keep reserves positive. It projects the water and sewer reserve falling to $3.5 million by December 2026.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
$359per home on garbage, dump and recycling, 2024
Perth spent about $359 per home on garbage, dump and recycling in 2024. The typical similar town spent $210. Only 10 of 78 similar towns spent more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 1 source
$149per home on council, 2024
Perth spent about $149 per home on council in 2024. The typical similar town spent $57. Only 6 of 78 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 Perth? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Council per home: Perth $149; typical similar town $57; ranked 7th highest of 79.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 78 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy
$50Mof new debt expected by 2034, against about $40M of room under the current limit (the Town's words)
A town may only borrow so much each year: the province sets an annual repayment limit, which is the most a town can pay out each year on its debts. The 2026 budget says the Town expects to need $50M in new debt between 2026 and 2034, and that this is more than the $40M its current limit would allow. The 2026 budget asks Council to borrow $2M more. After the end of 2025 the Town says it obtained $3.3 million in financing, and it has signed a $4.3 million contract for a new municipal building to be paid for with outside financing.
Debt has to be paid back from taxes and water and sewer rates, usually for decades. The Town has told residents itself that the plan is bigger than its limit. Residents should know how that will be closed: bigger grants, fewer projects, higher rates, or a higher limit.
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 Perth? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: The calculation behind the $50M and $40M debt figures, with wording you can copy.
Budget "Debt" section: "From 2026 to 2034, it is expected that $50M in new debt will be required to fund capital expenditures per the Asset Management Plan and to maintain Reserve balances. This exceeds our current Annual Repayment Level threshold of borrowing which would equate to $40M in new debt." The same section says "The Proposed Budget includes $2M new debt which is required to fund capital expenditures and to maintain Reserve balances." Recommendation #8 asks Council to "approve new $2M in debt to fund capital projects."
Mayor's Budget 2026, Schedule A to By-law 5240 · PDF page 7 ("Debt"); Recommendation #8 on PDF page 5
Note 5 (long-term liabilities): principal due on the Town's existing debt totals $ 4,236,824, with $ 655,911 due in 2026. Note 5(c): "Interest expense on long term liabilities in 2025 amounted to $150,818 (2024 - $140,656)." Note 5(d): "These payments are within the annual debt repayment limit prescribed by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing." Note 5(e): "Subsequent to year-end, the Town obtained additional financing in the amount of $3.3 million, amortized over 30 years."
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 5, PDF page 19
Note 12(d): "Subsequent to year-end, the Town entered into a capital contract with a third party to construct a new municipal building in the amount of $4.3 million. The building is expected to be completed in fiscal 2027 and will be funded through external financing."
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 12(d), PDF page 23
$4,653,188spent on capital in 2025, against a budget of $11,160,915
Capital spending is money spent on things that last, such as roads, pipes and buildings. The 2025 budget planned $11,160,915 of it. The audited statements show $4,653,188 was spent. The Town also says Council approved carrying about $4.8 million of projects over into 2026, and that it has a $3.7 million wastewater plant commitment to be paid by a government grant. The Town's own note explains that its budget was not set on the same basis as its statements, which accounts for some of the difference in the surplus.
A big gap between plan and spending can mean projects slipped, costs were different from the estimates, or the budget was set too high. It also affects how much tax and borrowing the Town says it needs for 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 Perth? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 16 (budget information) says the 2025 budget amounts "were not prepared on a basis consistent with that used to report actual results". Its table gives, as budget and then actual: "Total revenue" $ 20,226,829 and $ 21,686,629; "Total expenses" 20,981,257 and 21,287,421; "Annual surplus (deficit)" (754,428) and 399,208; "Capital expenses" (11,160,915) and (4,653,188).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 16, PDF page 30
Note 12(c): "Council has approved the carry-forward from 2025 to 2026 of approximately $4.8 million in capital and operating projects. Additionally, the Town has a capital commitment of $3.7 million related to the wastewater plant which will be funded through a government grant."
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 12(c), PDF page 23
"Although the net costs of projects carried forward from 2025 to 2026 are not approved by Council until after the completion of the 2025 year-end audit, for completeness the estimated net cost of $4.3M is included in the calculations of Reserves and the Statement of Financial Position."
Mayor's Budget 2026, Schedule A to By-law 5240 · Overview of Proposed 2026 Budget, PDF page 4
September 22, 2026date of the 2025 auditor's report (2024: June 24, 2025)
An audit is an outside accountant's check that a town's yearly statements are fair. The 2024 auditor's report is dated June 24, 2025. The 2025 report is dated September 22, 2026, which is 90 days later in the calendar year (worked out by us). Both are from KPMG LLP and both are clean. The 2024 report was signed in "Perth, Canada" and the 2025 one in "Kingston, Canada". The 2026 budget was adopted in December 2025 and says the cost of projects carried forward from 2025 is not approved until the audit is done. The 2025 auditor's opinion also names "the Corporation of the Township of Perth", though the Town is not a township.
Residents get the year's final numbers only after the audit. A later audit means the 2025 results arrive close to the October 26, 2026 election. Budget decisions made before then rest on estimates.
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 Perth? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The auditor's report on the 2025 statements is signed "Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants Kingston, Canada September 22, 2026". The opinion's first paragraph says "We have audited the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation of the Township of Perth".
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Independent Auditor's Report, PDF pages 3 and 5
The auditor's report on the 2024 statements is signed "Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants Perth, Canada June 24, 2025".
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 · Independent Auditor's Report, PDF page 5
$17,295,055cash at December 31, 2025, up from $8,569,397 a year earlier
At the end of 2025 the Town held $17,295,055 in cash, up from $8,569,397. The statements say all of its guaranteed investment certificates (GICs, bank deposits locked in for a term) matured during 2025 and were not reinvested. The line for GICs shows nothing for 2025 and $9,947,698 for 2024. After year end the Town says it took on $3.3 million of new financing. The 2026 budget counts on investment income of $500K.
Cash that is not invested usually earns less. Borrowing at the same time as holding a large cash balance is not wrong, but residents pay interest on the loan. We want to understand why both 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 Perth? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: What the cash at December 31, 2025 was set aside for, with wording you can copy.
Statement of cash flows: "Cash, end of year" $ 17,295,055 (2024: $ 8,569,397). "Increase in cash" 8,725,658 (2024: 1,496,106).
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Statement of cash flows, PDF page 9
Note 3 (long-term investments) shows $ - for 2025 and $ 9,947,698 for 2024 on its only line, guaranteed investment certificates. It says: "During the year, all guaranteed investment certificates matured and were not subsequently reinvested." Note 5(e): "Subsequent to year-end, the Town obtained additional financing in the amount of $3.3 million, amortized over 30 years."
Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 · Note 3, PDF page 17; Note 5(e), PDF page 19
"Investment Income is based on 4% interest rates and projected bank balances. Total projected investment income is $500K, an decrease of $200K from the 2024 Budget;"
Mayor's Budget 2026, Schedule A to By-law 5240 · Assumptions, Revenues, PDF page 6
476,033estimated cost of the Tay Basin parking lot in the 2026 capital list
The 2026 capital list includes the Tay Basin parking lot at an estimated cost of 476,033. The note beside it says: "Basin area, critical for tourism and general parking capacity- price appears high for general asphalt replacement". The total capital budget is $ 3,773,146. The Town's December 10, 2025 release names "Tay Basin parking lot upgrades" among the major projects.
It is unusual for a budget to flag its own estimate as high. The note may be a reminder to check the price before spending, or it may have been left in by mistake. Residents can ask 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 Perth? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Capital projects table, "Land Improvements": "Tay Basin Parking lot" estimated cost 476,033, with the note "Basin area, critical for tourism and general parking capacity- price appears high for general asphalt replacement". "Total" $ 3,773,146.
Mayor's Budget 2026, Schedule A to By-law 5240 · 2026 Capital Expenditure Budget, PDF page 11
The release lists "Tay Basin parking lot upgrades" among the major 2026 projects, in a budget with "more than $3.7 million in capital projects".
Media release, December 10, 2025 · Page 1, paragraph on capital projects
$35 vs $182.65the yearly water and sewer impact, in the budget and in the release
The adopted budget says the 6% water and sewer increase would add "$35" a year for an average household. The Town's December 10, 2025 release, for a home assessed at $350,000, gives the tax increase as $244.28, the capital levy as $34.90, and the water and sewer increase as $182.65 "based on average 2025 billing", and puts the combined monthly cost at "approximately $28.75". Adding the three annual amounts and dividing by 12 gives $38.49 a month (worked out by us).
People use these figures to plan their budgets. Two Town documents from the same week give very different amounts for the same water and sewer increase.
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 Perth? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Assumptions: "Projected Water and Sewer revenues include a rate increase of 6%. The average annual impact of this increase for a household in Perth would be $35." Recommendation # 2: "Council approve an increase of 6% in Water and Sewer rates."
Mayor's Budget 2026, Schedule A to By-law 5240 · Recommendation #2, PDF page 5; Assumptions, PDF page 6
For residential properties assessed at $350,000: "A 7% property tax increase, with an estimated annual impact of $244.28." "A 1% capital levy, dedicated directly to capital reserves, adding $34.90 annually." "A 6% increase to water and sewer rates, resulting in an estimated annual impact of $182.65, based on average 2025 billing." "Combined monthly impact to taxpayers: approximately $28.75."
Media release, December 10, 2025 · Page 1, bullet list
$375,000.00of $622,800.00 in 2026 one-time operating projects
The 2026 budget lists one-time operating projects totalling $622,800.00. The largest, $375,000.00, is labelled "Endeavour Solutions (approved by council go live financial system 2026". A financial system is the software the Town uses for its accounts, payroll and billing. The budget gives the Town's own note that Council approved it, but this page does not show the full price or yearly fees.
Software costs often recur every year after the first set-up. Residents can ask what the yearly fee will be and what it replaces.
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 Perth? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
2026 One-time Operating Expenditures, "Endeavour Solutions (approved by council go live financial system 2026." 375,000.00. The total of the list is 622,800.00.
Mayor's Budget 2026, Schedule A to By-law 5240 · 2026 One-time Operating Expenditures, PDF page 10
7% and 6%2026 increases in property tax and in water and sewer rates, plus a 1% capital levy
A reserve is money set aside for later, such as replacing a road. The 2026 budget asks Council for a 7% tax increase, a 6% water and sewer increase and a new 1% capital levy of $98,837. The budget itself says reserves are expected to keep declining through 2034 and that continuing rate increases will be needed to keep reserves positive. It projects the water and sewer reserve falling to $3.5 million by December 2026.
The Town has been plain about this. The question for voters is how large the rises will be each year, and whether services or projects could be changed instead.
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 Perth? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
"Based on non-climate adjusted projected capital expenditures between 2026 and 2034 and the replacement of the road segments contained in the Asset Management Plan, reserve amounts are expected to continue to decline. Continuing rate increases for property taxes and water, and sewer will be required to maintain positive balances in reserves assuming no change in service levels." "The Capital Reserve is projected to increase to $3.6 million by December 2026 and the Water & Sewer Reserve will decline to $3.5 million."
Mayor's Budget 2026, Schedule A to By-law 5240 · Overview of Proposed 2026 Budget, PDF page 4
Recommendation #1: "Council approve a 2026 Operating Levy of $10,549,544 (increase in the tax rate of 7%)." Recommendation #9: "Council approve new 1% Capital Levy of $98,837".
Mayor's Budget 2026, Schedule A to By-law 5240 · Summarized Recommendations, PDF page 5
$359per home on garbage, dump and recycling, 2024
Perth spent about $359 per home on garbage, dump and recycling in 2024. The typical similar town spent $210. Only 10 of 78 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 Perth? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Garbage, dump and recycling per home: Perth $359; typical similar town $210; ranked 11th highest of 79.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 78 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy