Minto in ‘stable’ financial position after first quarter: Robertson

MINTO – The Town of Minto remains in a stable financial position after the first quarter of 2026, with spending and revenues largely tracking as expected across both tax-supported and non-tax-supported budgets.

That was the message to council on June 16 from deputy treasurer Tawnya Robertson,  who presented the town’s quarterly financial update.

“Many revenues and expenditures are still timing dependent, so these results should be viewed as a snapshot rather than a prediction of the year-end outcomes,” Robertson said, adding there are currently no major financial concerns.

As of March 31, the town had spent $3.1 million, or 24.2 per cent, of its $12.9-million tax-supported operating budget. Roberton states in her report that, excluding taxes, revenues of $1.1 million have been received, or 20.5%, of the $5.6 million revenue budget. 

For non-tax-supported operations, expenditures reached $1 million, or 19.1% of the $5.2 million target, while revenues came in at $1.3 million, or 25.9% of the $4.2 million target, she wrote.

The first installment of the interim property taxes was due on March 27, and at the end of the first quarter, Minto received 98% of the anticipated amount of $4.5 million.

Robertson informed council many departmental expenditures are “below budget” at this point in the year due to the seasonal nature of municipal operations, with several projects and planned purchases scheduled in the later quarters.

“At this time, there are no significant concerns that would materially impact the town’s overall financial position,” she stated.

Capital spending planned for 2026 includes infrastructure and equipment investments across multiple departments. Key projects include reconstruction work on Arthur Street in Harriston and the Palmerston Main Street project, along with the Young Street bridge in Harriston.

Other planned investments include upgrades to water and wastewater systems, including plant improvements, well exploration and Clifford water tower inspection/repairs.

Fire services will see new personal protective equipment, radios and pagers, while administration is set to receive updated computer hardware and software, including AI-enabled accounts payable automation. 

Community services funding will go to pool upgrades and facility repairs, and economic development spending includes public art and streetscape improvements.

Deputy Mayor Jean Anderson thanked Robertson for the report, saying the variance review helps council understand where attention may be needed.

She questioned a figure showing administration at 46.7% of its annual budget, noting it “jumped out.”

Robertson said this was allocation of wages, and “a lot of things go through administration, and then we do budget adjusting.” She added there will be a difference in the second quarter.

Council passed a resolution to receive the report for information purposes. To view the report, visit town.minto.on.ca/government/agendas-minutes and select the June 16 agenda.