Questions · 10 so far
We read Powassan's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 23 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
+9%town property tax, 2023 to 2024
In 2024, Powassan collected $367K more in its own property tax than in 2023. That is a 9% jump, while prices went up about 2.4%. Only 1 of 23 similar towns raised theirs by more. Almost all of it came from a higher tax rate (up 8% for homes); the value of homes on the tax roll grew only 2.2%.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 4 sources
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
$25,6002026 recycling program budget, against $146,400 in the 2025 budget
The recycling program line was $146,400 in the 2025 budget and is $25,600 in the adopted 2026 budget. The town explains that the province is moving blue-box recycling to producers, and that pickup at downtown commercial sites is being cancelled. The note beside the final line says only "contract ending".
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$757,789public works labour, 2025 year-to-date before audit, against a 2025 budget of $567,900
The budget line for Public Works labour was 567,900 for 2025, and the town's own year-end-so-far figure was 757,789 (before the audit). That is $189,889 higher (worked out by us). The 2026 budget sets the line at 569,900, about where the 2025 budget was. The town explained that some wage costs were moved to the Sportsplex, but that does not obviously account for the whole gap.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$2,104,479landfill closure and care obligation at December 31, 2025, against a landfill reserve of $293,896
The audited statements say the town owes about $2.1 million for closing and caring for its landfill later. The landfill reserve holds 293,896. The 2026 budget sets nothing aside for closure and says the cost is "TBD". The town's last study of how much room is left is dated November 30, 2017.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$2.7Min savings at the end of 2024
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Powassan had $2.7M saved at the end of 2024, down from $3.0M in 2019. That is 41% of one year's spending. Only 3 of 23 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
$4,003per home on long-term debt, 2024
Powassan spent about $4,003 per home on long-term debt in 2024. The typical similar town spent $1,746. Only 3 of 23 similar towns spent more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 1 source
Background that helps make sense of the rest.
4.93%residential tax rate increase council approved for 2026, after drafts at 4.5% and 5.33%
Council saw three drafts of the 2026 budget in March and April 2026. The tax increase in the drafts was 4.5%, then 5.33%, then 5.33% again, and council voted for 4.93% on April 21, 2026. The town explained the first rise (a road resurfacing job and fuel). We found no written explanation of the last drop, though the budget lines show it matches a $20,000 cut to the recycling line (worked out by us).
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
August 11, 2026date of the 2025 auditor's report (the 2024 report is dated April 15, 2025)
The auditor's report on the 2025 statements is dated August 11, 2026, and the town's management report has the same date. The 2024 auditor's report is dated April 15, 2025. The 2025 audit presentation to council was on the August 11, 2026 agenda. The opinion is clean.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$3,530,209net debt at December 31, 2025, down from $5,204,818 a year earlier
On the audited numbers the town improved in 2025: a surplus of 1,567,491 against a budgeted 1,268,627, net debt down from 5,204,818 to 3,530,209, and reserves up to 3,498,023. The town's own treasurer also says that the town is not yet saving what its roads, bridges and buildings will need.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
April 23, 2026date on the 2025 statement of council pay and expenses
The one council pay link on the agendas page is labelled 2022 and is a scan. The 2025 statement, signed by the treasurer under section 284 of the Municipal Act and dated April 23, 2026, sits inside the May 5, 2026 agenda package. We did not find a separate page or link for it. We did not copy the per-member figures because the table's text layer is jumbled.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
+9%town property tax, 2023 to 2024
In 2024, Powassan collected $367K more in its own property tax than in 2023. That is a 9% jump, while prices went up about 2.4%. Only 1 of 23 similar towns raised theirs by more. Almost all of it came from a higher tax rate (up 8% for homes); the value of homes on the tax roll grew only 2.2%.
| Year | Town property tax |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $3.3M |
| 2020 | $3.4M |
| 2021 | $3.6M |
| 2022 | $3.9M |
| 2023 | $4.2M |
| 2024 | $4.5M |
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 $279 more each 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 Powassan? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Town property tax: $4,167,275 in 2023, $4,534,407 in 2024.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Typical increase among 23 similar Ontario towns: 6.3%. Powassan ranks 2nd highest.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 23 similar municipalities · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Residential tax rate (town share): 1.151% in 2023, 1.246% in 2024. Residential assessment: $287M to $294M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 22, residential (RT) · archived copy
Prices (inflation) rose 2.4% over the same year.
$25,6002026 recycling program budget, against $146,400 in the 2025 budget
The recycling program line was $146,400 in the 2025 budget and is $25,600 in the adopted 2026 budget. The town explains that the province is moving blue-box recycling to producers, and that pickup at downtown commercial sites is being cancelled. The note beside the final line says only "contract ending".
Recycling is a service people use every week. A drop of about 80% in the budget line is worth understanding, including who now collects from downtown businesses.
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 Powassan? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The first draft memo says "Environmental services costs have decreased approximately $100,000, due to the transition to the Producer Responsibility blue-box program and lower than anticipated equipment rental costs at the landfill."
Special Budget Meeting agenda package, March 10, 2026 · PDF page 2, Treasurer's memo, Analysis
The third draft memo says recycling costs were "reduced by $22,800 to reflect the cancellation of recycling pickup services for commercial sites in the downtown core." The third draft line reads: Recycling Program 146,400 115,499 45,600, "commercial recycling- est $5,700/month".
Regular Council Meeting agenda package, April 21, 2026 · PDF page 18 (memo) and page 24 (account 10-25-64940)
The budget printed under Bylaw 2026-13 shows Recycling Program 146,400 115,499 25,600, with the note "commercial recycling- contract ending". The column headings are 2025 draft budget, 2025 year-to-date (pre-audit) and 2026.
Regular Council Meeting agenda package, May 5, 2026 (Bylaw 2026-13 budget) · PDF page 65, account 10-25-64940
$757,789public works labour, 2025 year-to-date before audit, against a 2025 budget of $567,900
The budget line for Public Works labour was 567,900 for 2025, and the town's own year-end-so-far figure was 757,789 (before the audit). That is $189,889 higher (worked out by us). The 2026 budget sets the line at 569,900, about where the 2025 budget was. The town explained that some wage costs were moved to the Sportsplex, but that does not obviously account for the whole gap.
A wage line that runs a third over budget, then is budgeted at the old level again, may mean the 2026 line is too low or that part of the 2025 figure was one-time or misfiled.
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 Powassan? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The budget printed under Bylaw 2026-13 shows Public Works - Labour Expenses 567,900 (2025 draft budget), 757,789 (2025 year-to-date, pre-audit) and 569,900 (2026), noted "per detailed calculation".
Regular Council Meeting agenda package, May 5, 2026 (Bylaw 2026-13 budget) · PDF page 64, account 10-20-61500
The first draft showed the same line with a 2025 year-to-date figure of 779,230, and its memo says "the 2025 YTD figures are pre-audit, and do not reflect various accruals and reclassifications that will be processed prior to the close of the 2025 fiscal year." The second draft showed a lower figure after the wage moves described next.
Special Budget Meeting agenda package, March 10, 2026 · PDF page 2 (memo) and page 6 (account 10-20-61500)
The second draft memo says "2025 wage reallocations have occurred" from Public Works to the Sportsplex "to reflect the 25% cost share" of a management position, and that because of a vacancy of about six months in that position in 2025 "the YTD actuals remain short of budget". It does not say why Public Works labour is still above budget.
Special Budget Meeting agenda package, March 24, 2026 · PDF page 2, Treasurer's memo, first bullet; account 10-20-61500 on page 5 shows 757,789
In the audited statements, Transportation services expenses were 2,083,628 in 2025 against a budget of 1,988,942, and salary, wages and employee benefits in that function were 756,583 (737,700 in 2024). The budget column in these statements includes amortization, set at the same 1,119,716 as the actual in total.
Financial Report, December 31, 2025 · PDF page 8 (statement of operations), page 29 (note 23, segmented information) and page 28 (note 21)
$2,104,479landfill closure and care obligation at December 31, 2025, against a landfill reserve of $293,896
The audited statements say the town owes about $2.1 million for closing and caring for its landfill later. The landfill reserve holds 293,896. The 2026 budget sets nothing aside for closure and says the cost is "TBD". The town's last study of how much room is left is dated November 30, 2017.
When a closure cost has no savings behind it, it is paid later from taxes, water fees or borrowing. Residents can ask how large the gap is and when it might need to be paid.
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 Powassan? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 11 lists asset retirement obligations: Landfill $ 2,104,479 (2,017,641 in 2024), and a total of 2,283,209. It says "The most recent waste capacity study for the landfill site was performed in a report dated November 30, 2017."
Financial Report, December 31, 2025 · PDF page 21, note 11
The landfill table shows Powassan with 92.1% (707,400 m3) of capacity remaining, 137 years of remaining life and 25 years of post-closure care.
Financial Report, December 31, 2025 · PDF page 22, note 11 (continued)
Note 14 shows the reserve Garbage and landfill 293,896 (210,641 in 2024), total reserves 3,498,023, and an unfunded liability for asset retirement obligations of (2,283,209).
Financial Report, December 31, 2025 · PDF page 24, note 14
The 2026 budget has a line "Landfill - Accrued Closure Costs" with no amount for 2025 or 2026 and the note "cost TBD".
Regular Council Meeting agenda package, May 5, 2026 (Bylaw 2026-13 budget) · PDF page 67, account 10-25-64950
$2.7Min savings at the end of 2024
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Powassan had $2.7M saved at the end of 2024, down from $3.0M in 2019. That is 41% of one year's spending. Only 3 of 23 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
| Year | Savings (reserves) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $3.0M |
| 2020 | $2.8M |
| 2021 | $2.7M |
| 2022 | $1.6M |
| 2023 | $2.1M |
| 2024 | $2.7M |
With little saved, a broken bridge or a storm has to be paid for with a sudden tax increase or a loan. Low savings can also mean past budgets were balanced by spending savings instead of facing the real cost.
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 Powassan? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Savings (reserves and reserve funds): 2019 $3.0M, 2020 $2.8M, 2021 $2.7M, 2022 $1.6M, 2023 $2.1M, 2024 $2.7M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2024 · Schedule 70, line 6420 · archived copy
Typical among similar towns: savings equal to 63% of a year's spending. Powassan: 41%.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 23 similar municipalities · Schedules 40 and 70 · archived copy
$4,003per home on long-term debt, 2024
Powassan spent about $4,003 per home on long-term debt in 2024. The typical similar town spent $1,746. Only 3 of 23 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 Powassan? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Long-term debt per home: Powassan $4,003; typical similar town $1,746; ranked 4th highest of 24.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2024, 23 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy
4.93%residential tax rate increase council approved for 2026, after drafts at 4.5% and 5.33%
Council saw three drafts of the 2026 budget in March and April 2026. The tax increase in the drafts was 4.5%, then 5.33%, then 5.33% again, and council voted for 4.93% on April 21, 2026. The town explained the first rise (a road resurfacing job and fuel). We found no written explanation of the last drop, though the budget lines show it matches a $20,000 cut to the recycling line (worked out by us).
The property tax levy is the money residents pay directly. When the number changes at the last step, residents should be able to see 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 Powassan? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The first draft memo says the budget "reflects a 4.5% increase in the municipal tax levy, representing an average annual increase of $98 per residential household."
Special Budget Meeting agenda package, March 10, 2026 · PDF page 2, Treasurer's memo, Analysis
The second draft memo says that the resurfacing of Clark Street "has been added, at a total cost of $352,600", that the Public Works fuel line "has been increased by $40,000", and that "the total levy increase has changed to 5.33%, for an average increase of $116."
Special Budget Meeting agenda package, March 24, 2026 · PDF page 2, Treasurer's memo, Analysis
The third draft (Version 3) still shows property taxes of (5,053,529) with 5.33%, and its memo says "There has been no change to the required tax levy from the previous draft."
Regular Council Meeting agenda package, April 21, 2026 · PDF page 18 (memo) and page 19 (account 10-10-51000)
Motion 2026-97 at the April 21, 2026 meeting: "That the Council for the Municipality of Powassan approved a 4.93% residential tax rate increase for the year 2026." Carried. The minutes record no discussion of why it differs from the draft.
Regular Council Meeting agenda package, May 5, 2026 (April 21, 2026 minutes) · PDF page 3, motion 2026-97
The budget printed under Bylaw 2026-13 shows property taxes of (5,033,529) with 4.93%. That is $20,000 less than in the third draft (worked out by us). Comparing the two budgets line by line, the only expense line we found that changed is the recycling program.
Regular Council Meeting agenda package, May 5, 2026 (Bylaw 2026-13 budget) · PDF page 60, account 10-10-51000
August 11, 2026date of the 2025 auditor's report (the 2024 report is dated April 15, 2025)
The auditor's report on the 2025 statements is dated August 11, 2026, and the town's management report has the same date. The 2024 auditor's report is dated April 15, 2025. The 2025 audit presentation to council was on the August 11, 2026 agenda. The opinion is clean.
Residents decide how to vote partly on the town's finances. Audited results that arrive later in the year leave less time to read them before an election.
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 Powassan? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The 2025 auditor's report ends "North Bay, Ontario August 11, 2026" and the opinion says the statements "present fairly, in all material respects". The management report is also dated August 11, 2026.
Financial Report, December 31, 2025 · PDF page 4 (opinion), page 6 (date) and page 3 (management report)
The 2024 auditor's report ends "North Bay, Ontario April 15, 2025".
Financial Report, December 31, 2024 · PDF page 6
The August 11, 2026 agenda lists a delegation from Baker Tilly, "2025 Auditor's Report", as item 6.2.
Regular Council Meeting agenda, August 11, 2026 · PDF page 1, item 6.2
$3,530,209net debt at December 31, 2025, down from $5,204,818 a year earlier
On the audited numbers the town improved in 2025: a surplus of 1,567,491 against a budgeted 1,268,627, net debt down from 5,204,818 to 3,530,209, and reserves up to 3,498,023. The town's own treasurer also says that the town is not yet saving what its roads, bridges and buildings will need.
Good numbers this year and a large list of future repairs can both be true. Residents can ask how the town plans to close that gap without large tax increases.
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 Powassan? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Statement of operations: annual surplus of 1,268,627 budgeted, 1,567,491 actual and 633,203 in 2024; accumulated surplus, end of year, $ 16,988,014.
Financial Report, December 31, 2025 · PDF page 8, statement of operations
Statement of change in net debt: net debt, end of year $ (3,530,209), against (5,204,818) at the start of the year and a budgeted $ (4,318,416).
Financial Report, December 31, 2025 · PDF page 10
Municipal debt was $ 4,655,294 (5,189,830 in 2024) and total reserves were 3,498,023 (2,675,276 in 2024). Note 5 says credit facilities of $600,000 had $0 used at December 31, 2025.
Financial Report, December 31, 2025 · PDF page 20 (note 9), page 24 (note 14) and page 18 (note 5)
The first draft memo says a review of capital project forecasts "indicated an average required investment of $1,860,000 over the next five years to address critical infrastructure needs" and that "a concerted effort will be required both in 2026, and through the next term of Council, to continue moving towards a sustainable capital funding program."
Special Budget Meeting agenda package, March 10, 2026 · PDF page 2, Treasurer's memo, Analysis
April 23, 2026date on the 2025 statement of council pay and expenses
The one council pay link on the agendas page is labelled 2022 and is a scan. The 2025 statement, signed by the treasurer under section 284 of the Municipal Act and dated April 23, 2026, sits inside the May 5, 2026 agenda package. We did not find a separate page or link for it. We did not copy the per-member figures because the table's text layer is jumbled.
Council pay is public by law. It is easier for residents to hold council to account if each year's statement has its own link.
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 Powassan? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The agendas, meetings and minutes page links one statement, labelled "Council Remuneration and Expenses 2022". The linked file has no readable text layer (it is a scan).
Agendas, Meetings & Minutes page · link near the top of the page
The May 5, 2026 agenda lists, as item 10.5, a treasurer's report titled "2025 Statement of Council Remuneration". The statement is headed "Statement of Remuneration and Expenses Paid to/for Members of Council in 2025", "Dated: April 23, 2026", "Statement of Treasurer-Municipal Act 2001 PART V1, Section 284(1)".
Regular Council Meeting agenda package, May 5, 2026 · PDF page 1 (item 10.5) and page 36 (statement)