Questions · 15 so far
We read Russell's financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 25 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
+11%town property tax, 2024 to 2025
In 2025, Russell collected $2.1M more in its own property tax than in 2024. That is a 11% jump, while prices went up about 2.1%. Only 1 of 25 similar towns raised theirs by more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
+125%roads and snow, 2019 to 2025
Russell spent $3.4M on roads and snow in 2019 and $7.6M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 0 of 25 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
$4,432per home on long-term debt, 2025
Russell spent about $4,432 per home on long-term debt in 2025. The typical similar town spent $1,212. Only 1 of 25 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.
$66,371,834estimated borrowing for the Recreation Complex, on a project cost of $102,291,653 (2026 budget)
The 2025 budget said the Township needed no new debt and listed a loan of $0 in its capital budget of $10,610,623. During 2025 the Township actually bought or built $66,341,688 of capital assets and took in $22,200,000 of long-term debt. At the end of 2025 it owed $26,200,000 on loans that charge the bank’s prime rate plus 2.00% and need only interest payments until 2027, up from $4,000,000 a year earlier. Its cash fell to $1,680,840. The 2026 budget says the new Recreation Complex will need long-term borrowing in 2026: an estimated $66,371,834 on a project cost of $102,291,653. At 4.65% over 25 years, the Township says the repayment would be about $4.5 million a year, with about $46 million of interest in total. The Township has explained that the 2026 borrowing moves the project from construction financing to long-term debt. It does not say, in the documents we read, which loan pays for which project.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 11 sources
$7,133,000land sale revenue budgeted for 2025, against a reported loss of $198,000
The 2025 budget counted on $7,133,000 from land sales at the 417 Industrial Park. The 2025 statements show a loss of $198,000 on the sale of land held for resale. In 2024 the budget was $2,000,000 and the sales were $2,952,000. The 2026 budget now expects $4,878,000 of deferred sale revenue (money that comes in later) from the same park. At the end of 2025 the Township held land for resale valued at $8,799,496, and its accumulated surplus shows $13,129,233 of expenses waiting to be funded by land sales, up from $11,290,682. The Township has explained that the sale money is used to offset the purchase price and the cost of building roads on the land.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
$16,048,941accounts receivable at the end of 2025, up from $3,899,173
Accounts receivable is money other people or governments owe the Township. It grew by $12,149,768 in 2025, to $16,048,941. The Township’s cash fell from $4,609,935 to $1,680,840 over the same year, and what it owed to suppliers and others (accounts payable and accrued liabilities) rose from $8,723,179 to $17,856,174. The statements do not break the receivable down. The Province of Ontario transfers reported as revenue were $12,080,500 against a budget of $1,469,794, which may be related, but the documents do not say so. A further $7,701,000 of capital purchases was paid after year end.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
7.44%projected 2027 tax increase in the 2026 budget book, before any new initiatives
The first draft of the 2026 budget raised the tax levy from $19,823,466 to $22,377,563, an 8.4% increase. After two days of work with Council in October 2025 the final increase was 3.94%. The same budget book says that if nothing unexpected happens, 2027 would need a tax increase of 7.44%, with about $1.525 million not yet paid for. Part of the 2026 saving came from phasing in new fire staff over four years, from moving costs onto user fees and reserves, and from pausing $1.2 million a year that was set aside to replace four buildings, which the Township says is "paused, not eliminated". The Township says it chose to avoid putting off tax pressure, and it published the 2027 outlook openly.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 5 sources
+55%police, fire and safety, 2019 to 2025
Russell spent $4.2M on police, fire and safety in 2019 and $6.6M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
+55%water, sewers and garbage, 2019 to 2025
Russell spent $7.3M on water, sewers and garbage in 2019 and $11.2M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
$25.9Min savings at the end of 2025
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Russell had $25.9M saved at the end of 2025, up from $14.5M in 2019. That is 66% of one year's spending. Only 5 of 25 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
$100per home on council, 2025
Russell spent about $100 per home on council in 2025. The typical similar town spent $50. Only 3 of 25 similar towns spent more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 1 source
Background that helps make sense of the rest.
$34,345,209surplus in 2025, against a budgeted $19,003,550
A surplus is what is left when a year’s revenue is more than its spending. For 2025 the budget planned a surplus of $19,003,550 and the audited statements show $34,345,209. For 2024 the budget planned $13,388,864 and the statements show $25,766,165. In both years two lines were far above budget: donations (budgeted at $5,000 for 2025 and $38,478 for 2024, actual $13,096,138 and $13,564,679) and development charges (budgeted $2,718,404 for 2025, actual $7,825,454). The statements explain most of it: $13,057,925 of the 2025 donations were assets given in kind, not cash. Without those, the surplus would have been about $21,287,284 (worked out by us), still above the budget.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$635,441a year of Corporate Services costs moved from taxes to user-fee departments
Corporate Services (clerk, finance, communications, IT, human resources) used to be paid about 85% by taxes and 15% by user fees. The 2026 budget changes this to 65% by taxes and 35% by user fees, which the budget says brings in an additional $635,441 and lowers the tax bill by the same amount. For daycares, building and the 417 Industrial Park, reserves absorb the new charges so their fees do not rise. Waste collection users face no increase in 2026 but about $8.58 more in each of 2027 and 2028. Water and sewer users see no impact. The Township gives its reason: the old split put an unfair burden on tax-supported services. The final summary page rounds the savings to $650,000.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$2,862,994advance to the Embrun Hydro Cooperative Inc., fully set aside as an allowance
The Township lent the Embrun Hydro Cooperative Inc. $2,862,994 with no interest and no repayment dates. The statements set aside the whole amount as an allowance, so it counts as nothing on the books in both 2024 and 2025. The Township explains that the amount is repayable only if the cooperative is sold, wound up or goes bankrupt.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 1 source
$308per home on garbage, dump and recycling, 2025
Russell spent about $308 per home on garbage, dump and recycling in 2025. The typical similar town spent $84. None of the 25 similar towns spent more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 1 source
+11%town property tax, 2024 to 2025
In 2025, Russell collected $2.1M more in its own property tax than in 2024. That is a 11% jump, while prices went up about 2.1%. Only 1 of 25 similar towns raised theirs by more.
| Year | Town property tax |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.3M |
| 2020 | $13.5M |
| 2021 | $14.5M |
| 2022 | $15.6M |
| 2023 | $17M |
| 2024 | $18.5M |
| 2025 | $20.5M |
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 $245 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 Russell? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Town property tax: $18,457,952 in 2024, $20,513,254 in 2025.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Typical increase among 25 similar Ontario towns: 7.1%. Russell ranks 2nd highest.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 25 similar municipalities · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Prices (inflation) rose 2.1% over the same year.
+125%roads and snow, 2019 to 2025
Russell spent $3.4M on roads and snow in 2019 and $7.6M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 0 of 25 similar towns had faster growth here.
| Year | Roads and snow | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | −12% | +1% |
| 2021 | −10% | +4% |
| 2022 | −9% | +11% |
| 2023 | +42% | +16% |
| 2024 | +10% | +18% |
| 2025 | +125% | +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 Russell? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Roads and snow: 2019 $3.4M, 2020 $3.0M, 2021 $3.1M, 2022 $3.1M, 2023 $4.8M, 2024 $3.7M, 2025 $7.6M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Paved roads, from $306K to $5.0M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Typical growth among similar towns: 38%. Russell ranks 1st of 26.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 25 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 · archived copy
$4,432per home on long-term debt, 2025
Russell spent about $4,432 per home on long-term debt in 2025. The typical similar town spent $1,212. Only 1 of 25 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 Russell? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Long-term debt per home: Russell $4,432; typical similar town $1,212; ranked 2nd highest of 26.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 25 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy
$66,371,834estimated borrowing for the Recreation Complex, on a project cost of $102,291,653 (2026 budget)
The 2025 budget said the Township needed no new debt and listed a loan of $0 in its capital budget of $10,610,623. During 2025 the Township actually bought or built $66,341,688 of capital assets and took in $22,200,000 of long-term debt. At the end of 2025 it owed $26,200,000 on loans that charge the bank’s prime rate plus 2.00% and need only interest payments until 2027, up from $4,000,000 a year earlier. Its cash fell to $1,680,840. The 2026 budget says the new Recreation Complex will need long-term borrowing in 2026: an estimated $66,371,834 on a project cost of $102,291,653. At 4.65% over 25 years, the Township says the repayment would be about $4.5 million a year, with about $46 million of interest in total. The Township has explained that the 2026 borrowing moves the project from construction financing to long-term debt. It does not say, in the documents we read, which loan pays for which project.
Borrowing this size is the biggest money decision in the budget books we read. A payment of about $4.5 million a year sits next to a 2026 tax levy (the part of the property tax the Township keeps) of $21,557,078. A rate that floats with the bank’s prime rate can go up or down before the loans are turned into long-term debt. Residents will want to know what the final cost is, who pays the repayments (taxes, development charges or user fees) and why the 2025 budget did not show any of this.
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 Russell? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Capital Budget Summary: "Total Capital Budget: $10,610,623". The list of how it is funded includes "Loan: $0".
Township of Russell, 2025 Budget Brief Report (approved November 12, 2024, amended December 9, 2024) · Capital Budget Summary, PDF page 32
Debt: "The 2025 budget does not require any additional debt. Our total debt payments in 2025 are estimated at $1,377,385, well within our borrowing limitations."
Township of Russell, 2025 Budget Brief Report (approved November 12, 2024, amended December 9, 2024) · Reserves, development charges and debt section, PDF page 33
Statement of change in net debt: "Purchase of tangible capital assets" budget (10,610,623), actual (66,341,688) (2024 actual (36,076,406)). "Net debt, end of year" budget (4,442,453), actual (36,843,896).
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Consolidated statement of change in net debt, PDF page 7 (printed page 5)
Statement of cash flow: "Proceeds from long-term debt" 22,200,000 (2024 4,000,000). "Cash, end of year" 1,680,840 (2024 4,609,935).
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Consolidated statement of cash flow, PDF page 8 (printed page 6)
Schedule 1: "Assets under construction", purchases 51,192,320 in 2025; end of year cost 72,330,812 (beginning of year 26,893,315).
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Schedule 1, Consolidated tangible capital assets, PDF page 18 (printed page 16)
Note 9, Debts: debts bearing interest "at bank’s prime rate plus 2.00% with interest only payment until 2027" were 26,200,000 in 2025 (2024 4,000,000). Total debts 37,251,265 (2024 15,897,444).
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Note 9, Debts, PDF page 15 (printed page 13)
Note 14, Commitments: "The Municipality has signed contracts for capital projects. Future payments aggregate to $41,800,000."
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Note 14, Commitments, PDF page 16 (printed page 14)
Note 16, Budget amounts: "The budget established for capital investments in tangible capital assets is on a project-oriented basis, the costs of which may be carried out over one or more years and, therefore, may not be comparable with current year’s actual purchase amounts."
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Note 16, Budget amounts, PDF page 17 (printed page 15)
Debt: "Long-term financing will be required in 2026 for the Recreation Complex project." "The original project cost was $104,309,044, with projected borrowing of $79,945,116. Following the $10 million provincial grant, increased Development Charges, and interest savings, the updated project cost is $102,291,653, and the estimated borrowing requirement has decreased to $66,371,834." "At an interest rate of 4.65% over 25 years, the projected annual repayment is approximately $4.5 million ($374,590 per month), with a total interest cost of about $46 million."
Township of Russell, 2026 Approved Budget Brief Report · Capital Budget Summary, Debt, PDF page 47
Recreation Complex: "Given the scale of the borrowing, a $10,000 allocation has been included in the 2026 operational budget to obtain expert financial advice and identify the most advantageous borrowing strategy as the project transitions from construction financing to long-term debt."
Township of Russell, 2026 Approved Budget Brief Report · Parks and Recreation Department, Recreation Complex, PDF page 38
Taxation: "The total tax levy in 2026 is estimated to be $21,557,078."
Township of Russell, 2026 Approved Budget Brief Report · Taxation and How We Compare, PDF page 13
$7,133,000land sale revenue budgeted for 2025, against a reported loss of $198,000
The 2025 budget counted on $7,133,000 from land sales at the 417 Industrial Park. The 2025 statements show a loss of $198,000 on the sale of land held for resale. In 2024 the budget was $2,000,000 and the sales were $2,952,000. The 2026 budget now expects $4,878,000 of deferred sale revenue (money that comes in later) from the same park. At the end of 2025 the Township held land for resale valued at $8,799,496, and its accumulated surplus shows $13,129,233 of expenses waiting to be funded by land sales, up from $11,290,682. The Township has explained that the sale money is used to offset the purchase price and the cost of building roads on the land.
The Township pays for the land and the roads first and is paid back as lots sell. If sales are late or fewer than planned, the gap has to be covered by reserves, user fees, taxes or borrowing. Residents can then ask how sure the next $4,878,000 is.
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 Russell? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Statement of operations: "(Loss) gain on sale of land held for resale" budget 7,133,000, actual (198,000), 2024 actual 2,952,000.
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Consolidated statement of operations, PDF page 5 (printed page 3)
Statement of operations, 2024: "Sale of land held for resale" budget 2,000,000, actual 2,952,000, 2023 actual "-".
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (auditor’s report May 26, 2025) · Consolidated statement of operations, PDF page 5 (printed page 3)
Reserves and development charges: "We are anticipating a $7,133,000, in deferred to 2025 sale revenue from the 417 Industrial Park. These revenues are used to offset the purchase price as well as the road construction for the lands in question."
Township of Russell, 2025 Budget Brief Report (approved November 12, 2024, amended December 9, 2024) · Reserves and development charges, PDF page 33
Reserves and development charges: "We are anticipating $4,878,000 in deferred sale revenue from the 417 Industrial Park in 2026. This revenue will be used to offset the purchase price, as well as the cost of constructing roads on the land in question."
Township of Russell, 2026 Approved Budget Brief Report · Capital Budget Summary, Reserves and Development Charges, PDF page 47
Schedule 2, Consolidated accumulated surplus: "Land held for resale" 8,799,496 (2024 8,367,374). "Expenses to be funded by the sale of land held for resale" (13,129,233) (2024 (11,290,682)).
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Schedule 2, PDF page 19 (printed page 17)
$16,048,941accounts receivable at the end of 2025, up from $3,899,173
Accounts receivable is money other people or governments owe the Township. It grew by $12,149,768 in 2025, to $16,048,941. The Township’s cash fell from $4,609,935 to $1,680,840 over the same year, and what it owed to suppliers and others (accounts payable and accrued liabilities) rose from $8,723,179 to $17,856,174. The statements do not break the receivable down. The Province of Ontario transfers reported as revenue were $12,080,500 against a budget of $1,469,794, which may be related, but the documents do not say so. A further $7,701,000 of capital purchases was paid after year end.
Money owed is not money in the bank. If most of it is a grant from another government that has been approved, it will probably arrive. If it is something else, such as unpaid bills from builders or other parties, residents will want to know who owes it and how long it has been owed.
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 Russell? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Statement of financial position: "Accounts receivable" 16,048,941 (2024 3,899,173). "Cash" 1,680,840 (2024 4,609,935). "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" 17,856,174 (2024 8,723,179).
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Consolidated statement of financial position, PDF page 6 (printed page 4)
Statement of cash flow: "Increase in accounts receivable" (12,149,768) (2024 (500,771)). "Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities" 3,823,114.
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Consolidated statement of cash flow, PDF page 8 (printed page 6)
Statement of operations: "Province of Ontario" government transfers budget 1,469,794, actual 12,080,500 (2024 actual 1,481,634).
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Consolidated statement of operations, PDF page 5 (printed page 3)
Note 11: tangible capital assets "$7,701,000 ($2,391,119 in 2024) were paid after year-end".
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Note 11, PDF page 16 (printed page 14)
Treasurer’s Message: "We secured more than $25 million in major grants to support large infrastructure projects."
Township of Russell, 2026 Approved Budget Brief Report · Treasurer’s Message, PDF page 5
7.44%projected 2027 tax increase in the 2026 budget book, before any new initiatives
The first draft of the 2026 budget raised the tax levy from $19,823,466 to $22,377,563, an 8.4% increase. After two days of work with Council in October 2025 the final increase was 3.94%. The same budget book says that if nothing unexpected happens, 2027 would need a tax increase of 7.44%, with about $1.525 million not yet paid for. Part of the 2026 saving came from phasing in new fire staff over four years, from moving costs onto user fees and reserves, and from pausing $1.2 million a year that was set aside to replace four buildings, which the Township says is "paused, not eliminated". The Township says it chose to avoid putting off tax pressure, and it published the 2027 outlook openly.
Residents who saw a 3.94% increase in 2026 may be surprised by a much larger one in 2027. The Township has been open about this. The question is how much of the 2027 figure is cost that was only moved from 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 Russell? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Original scenario: "the first draft of the 2026 Budget includes an overall 8.4% tax increase." "The tax levy is projected to increase from $19,823,466 to $22,377,563, representing an increase of $2,554,097".
Township of Russell, 2026 Approved Budget Brief Report · Understanding the Original Tax Increase Scenario, PDF page 9
Final budget: "With all changes applied, the final tax increase is 3.94%, a significant reduction from the original 8.4%." A revised four-year plan for new fire full-time positions saved "approximately $250,000", and the Corporate Services cost-recovery change generated "$650,000 in savings to the taxation".
Township of Russell, 2026 Approved Budget Brief Report · Final 2026 Budget, Summary of Key Adjustments, PDF page 12
Looking ahead to 2027: "the remaining unfunded amount would still total approximately $1.525 million. This represents a projected tax increase of 7.44% in 2027, before any new initiatives, inflationary impacts beyond assumptions, or unforeseen costs."
Township of Russell, 2026 Approved Budget Brief Report · Looking Ahead to 2027, PDF page 11
Asset management: "The $1.2 million in annual requirements tied to these facilities has been paused, not eliminated."
Township of Russell, 2026 Approved Budget Brief Report · Capital Budget Summary, Asset Management, PDF page 47
The Township’s own explanation: "One of Council’s key priorities was to avoid deferring tax pressures to future years, recognizing that delaying difficult decisions will not make them easier later."
Township of Russell, 2026 Approved Budget Brief Report · Final 2026 Budget, Summary of Key Adjustments, PDF page 12
+55%police, fire and safety, 2019 to 2025
Russell spent $4.2M on police, fire and safety in 2019 and $6.6M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
| Year | Police, fire and safety | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | +3% | +1% |
| 2021 | +9% | +4% |
| 2022 | +14% | +11% |
| 2023 | +28% | +16% |
| 2024 | +43% | +18% |
| 2025 | +55% | +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 Russell? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Police, fire and safety: 2019 $4.2M, 2020 $4.4M, 2021 $4.6M, 2022 $4.9M, 2023 $5.4M, 2024 $6.1M, 2025 $6.6M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Fire department, from $647K to $1.8M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
+55%water, sewers and garbage, 2019 to 2025
Russell spent $7.3M on water, sewers and garbage in 2019 and $11.2M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
| Year | Water, sewers and garbage | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | +7% | +1% |
| 2021 | +13% | +4% |
| 2022 | +15% | +11% |
| 2023 | +30% | +16% |
| 2024 | +72% | +18% |
| 2025 | +55% | +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 Russell? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Water, sewers and garbage: 2019 $7.3M, 2020 $7.8M, 2021 $8.2M, 2022 $8.4M, 2023 $9.5M, 2024 $12.5M, 2025 $11.2M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Garbage pickup, from $457K to $1.8M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
$25.9Min savings at the end of 2025
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Russell had $25.9M saved at the end of 2025, up from $14.5M in 2019. That is 66% of one year's spending. Only 5 of 25 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
| Year | Savings (reserves) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.5M |
| 2020 | $12.6M |
| 2021 | $18.3M |
| 2022 | $2.9M |
| 2023 | $21.9M |
| 2024 | $24.8M |
| 2025 | $25.9M |
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 Russell? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Savings (reserves and reserve funds): 2019 $14.5M, 2020 $12.6M, 2021 $18.3M, 2022 $2.9M, 2023 $21.9M, 2024 $24.8M, 2025 $25.9M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 70, line 6420 · archived copy
Typical among similar towns: savings equal to 88% of a year's spending. Russell: 66%.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 25 similar municipalities · Schedules 40 and 70 · archived copy
$100per home on council, 2025
Russell spent about $100 per home on council in 2025. The typical similar town spent $50. Only 3 of 25 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 Russell? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Council per home: Russell $100; typical similar town $50; ranked 4th highest of 26.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 25 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy
$34,345,209surplus in 2025, against a budgeted $19,003,550
A surplus is what is left when a year’s revenue is more than its spending. For 2025 the budget planned a surplus of $19,003,550 and the audited statements show $34,345,209. For 2024 the budget planned $13,388,864 and the statements show $25,766,165. In both years two lines were far above budget: donations (budgeted at $5,000 for 2025 and $38,478 for 2024, actual $13,096,138 and $13,564,679) and development charges (budgeted $2,718,404 for 2025, actual $7,825,454). The statements explain most of it: $13,057,925 of the 2025 donations were assets given in kind, not cash. Without those, the surplus would have been about $21,287,284 (worked out by us), still above the budget.
A budget is the promise made to taxpayers about how a year will go. A surplus that is far above the budget two years running means the budget is not a close guide to the year. Here the main reason is published and is not about cash, so this is context. The question that is left is how much of each surplus is cash that can be spent.
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 Russell? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Statement of operations, 2025: "Annual surplus" budget 19,003,550, actual 34,345,209 (2024 actual 25,766,165). "Donations" budget 5,000, actual 13,096,138 (2024 actual 13,564,679). "Development charges" budget 2,718,404, actual 7,825,454. "Province of Ontario" transfers budget 1,469,794, actual 12,080,500.
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Consolidated statement of operations, PDF page 5 (printed page 3)
Statement of operations, 2024: "Annual surplus" budget 13,388,864, actual 25,766,165. "Donations" budget 38,478, actual 13,564,679. "Development charges" budget 3,883,892, actual 12,123,657.
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (auditor’s report May 26, 2025) · Consolidated statement of operations, PDF page 5 (printed page 3)
Note 11: "TCA were acquired at an aggregate cost of $66,341,688 ($36,076,406 in 2024), of which ... $13,057,925 ($13,467,579 in 2024) of donations in kind".
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Note 11, PDF page 16 (printed page 14)
Accounting policy, Contribution of tangible capital assets: "TCA received as contributions are recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position at their fair value at the date of receipt, and that fair value is also recorded as revenue."
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Note 2, Accounting policies, PDF page 11 (printed page 9)
$635,441a year of Corporate Services costs moved from taxes to user-fee departments
Corporate Services (clerk, finance, communications, IT, human resources) used to be paid about 85% by taxes and 15% by user fees. The 2026 budget changes this to 65% by taxes and 35% by user fees, which the budget says brings in an additional $635,441 and lowers the tax bill by the same amount. For daycares, building and the 417 Industrial Park, reserves absorb the new charges so their fees do not rise. Waste collection users face no increase in 2026 but about $8.58 more in each of 2027 and 2028. Water and sewer users see no impact. The Township gives its reason: the old split put an unfair burden on tax-supported services. The final summary page rounds the savings to $650,000.
The tax increase is lower in 2026. Part of the reason is that some costs moved to reserves, which are savings, and to user fees. Reserves can only be used once. Residents will want to know how long they cover the daycares, building and industrial park, and what happens when they run out.
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 Russell? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
"Currently, the Corporate Services Department is funded approximately 85% through taxation and only 15% through user fees". "a more accurate and equitable split would be 65% funded by taxation and 35% by user fees."
Township of Russell, 2026 Approved Budget Brief Report · New Funding Strategy, Corporate Services Department, PDF page 27
"this new funding strategy generates an additional $635,441 in revenue, which directly reduces the taxation requirement by the same amount."
Township of Russell, 2026 Approved Budget Brief Report · Corporate Services cost allocation, PDF page 28
Council direction: "For the Daycares, Building, and 417 Industrial Park departments, reserves will fully absorb the additional Corporate Services charges, resulting in no fee increase for users at this time. For Waste Collection, users will see no impact in 2026, with modest increases of approximately $8.58 in both 2027 and 2028."
Township of Russell, 2026 Approved Budget Brief Report · Summary of Council Direction, PDF page 29
Final budget: Corporate Services "will now be funded 65% by taxation and 35% by user fees. This shift generated $650,000 in savings to the taxation".
Township of Russell, 2026 Approved Budget Brief Report · Final 2026 Budget, Summary of Key Adjustments, PDF page 12
$2,862,994advance to the Embrun Hydro Cooperative Inc., fully set aside as an allowance
The Township lent the Embrun Hydro Cooperative Inc. $2,862,994 with no interest and no repayment dates. The statements set aside the whole amount as an allowance, so it counts as nothing on the books in both 2024 and 2025. The Township explains that the amount is repayable only if the cooperative is sold, wound up or goes bankrupt.
This is public money that was handed over and may never come back. The amount has not changed between 2024 and 2025, so this is not a new loss. Residents may still want to know what the money was for and whether anything is expected back.
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 Russell? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 6, Note receivable: "Embrun Hydro Cooperative Inc., interest free, no specified terms of repayment" 2,862,994 (2024 2,862,994); "Allowance" (2,862,994) (2024 (2,862,994)). "At the time of the creation of the Embrun Hydro Cooperative Inc., the Municipality agreed to provide it with an advance of $2,862,994. According to this agreement, this amount is repayable only in the occurrence of a specific event such as a sale, liquidation or a bankruptcy of the cooperative."
Corporation of the Township of Russell, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2025 (auditor’s report May 25, 2026) · Note 6, Note receivable, PDF page 14 (printed page 12)
$308per home on garbage, dump and recycling, 2025
Russell spent about $308 per home on garbage, dump and recycling in 2025. The typical similar town spent $84. None of the 25 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 Russell? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Garbage, dump and recycling per home: Russell $308; typical similar town $84; ranked 1st highest of 26.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 25 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 and Schedule 2 · archived copy