Erin shows surplus of $300,000 in first quarter; councillors still concerned

ERIN – Despite a $300,000 surplus in the first quarter of 2026, Erin councillors remain concerned following a 2025 budget deficit of $1.06 million. 

Wendy Parr attributed the deficit to a severe winter with increased road maintenance and winter-control costs as well as investments in parks and recreation staffing and a decline in home construction revenue.

Parr informed council of the first quarter surplus at an April 23 meeting, stating staff found savings without cutting services.

Council also heard about four grants the town has received:

• a $30,000 elevator grant for the community centre;
• $36,224 Fire Protection Grant;
• $49,000 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant; and 
• $9,850 Canada Summer Jobs grant.

“We’ve started off on the right foot,” said councillor John Brennan.

However, he added, “It’s too early to be resting on anybody’s laurels.

"We still have three quarters to go, so we need to keep our noses to the grindstone and keep on working.” 

Councillor Jamie Cheyne echoed Brennan’s statements.

“I hope there’s no snow until January of next year so the roads department can save some money,” he said.

Councillor Cathy Aylard said a concrete plan is still required.

“These [first quarter] results appear promising on the surface but they’re a little bit distorted because we’re still accounting for the use of tax stabilization reserves in these statements,” Aylard said, adding, “we don’t have any (now).”

Aylard said the town still doesn’t have a plan to rectify last year’s spending.

Council previously directed staff at an April 9 meeting to review this year’s budget and identify savings, efficiencies and deferrals. A staff report on that work is expected to come to council next month.

“It’s worth spending some time talking about what our expectations are of that report when it comes back to council,” Aylard  said, referring to the budget as an “accountability document.

"We need concrete action plans on how we’re going to get back on track.” 

She suggested policies be explored to “help council be more effective.”