Letter from our Treasurer & Director of Finance

I am pleased to present our 2025 Annual Report, outlining our fiscal performance for the previous year, as well as key achievements and priorities supported by the County’s budget.

Northumberland County continued to make important investments in the services and infrastructure that support our communities in 2025, while maintaining a strong overall financial position. County Council approved a $235 million budget that advanced major priorities, including affordable housing, transportation infrastructure, and the redevelopment of the Golden Plough Lodge and Northumberland County Archives and Museum. These long-term investments are helping build a stronger, more resilient community while maintaining the roads, bridges, buildings and equipment residents rely on every day.

Our financial results show that the County remains on solid footing. The value of County-owned assets, such as roads, bridges, and infrastructure, increased by $35.8 million, while our accumulated surplus also increased by $11.5 million – reflecting the continued strength of our financial position. Although debt increased during the year, it was primarily related to borrowing for the redevelopment of the Golden Plough Lodge and Northumberland County Archives and Museum—an investment that will benefit residents for decades to come.

Like many municipalities across Ontario, we also faced higher-than-expected winter maintenance costs, as well as some unexpected workplace injury claim costs, resulting in a modest $1.7 million operating deficit. Thanks to careful financial planning, these costs were covered through reserve funds that had been set aside for situations like these, minimizing the impact on day-to-day services.

Responsible financial management remains at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to making thoughtful investments, protecting taxpayer dollars, and being transparent about how public funds are used. The audited financial statements included in this report provide an independent review of the County’s finances and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to accountability as we continue delivering the programs, services and infrastructure our communities depend on.