finance

The Finance Department handles budget and finance matters in the Municipality of West Perth including:

The Asset Management Policy provides the Municipality with clear guidelines and processes to achieve asset management objectives.

View the West Perth Asset Management Policy

Asset management planning (AMP) is an ongoing and long-term process that allows municipalities to make the best possible investment decisions for their infrastructure assets. The goal of AMP is to improve the way the Municipality plans infrastructure investment, repair, and replacement to properly budget for large projects.

West Perth Asset Managment Plan

View the West Perth Asset Retirement Obligation Policy

The Municipality of West Perth prepares a budget each year that gets approved by Council. The budget process allows council and staff to prioritize asset improvements, capital expenditures, operating costs, and more. The budget is more than just 'spending money'; it is reflected in the services you receive, the infrastructure used by the community, and supports provided to citizens of West Perth. Every time you have your garbage collected, turn on the tap, have your road plowed, visit a park, or go for a walk on a sidewalk, trail or the beach, you see your tax dollars at work. The Municipality is committed to providing efficient and cost-effective services to our communities.

Understanding the Municipal Budget

Each year, Council approves a budget that is made up of the following:

Operating - The income in this budget is primarily from property taxes and user fees. The budget covers the day to day expenses of the town for Municipal services including road maintenance and repairs, snow removal, tourism, community services and programming, by-law enforcement, fire and police services.
Capital - The income in this budget can be from property taxes, reserves, development charges, debt, grants and co-share with others, such as the county or developers. The budget covers Municipal projects such as new assets, rehabilitating existing assets including roads, sewers, watermains, bridges, fleet replacements and more.

Any additional questions can be directed to the Treasurer by email or at 519-348-8429 ext. 228.

View the 2025 Budget and Tax Rate By-law

Budget Reports

West Perth Council Approves 2026 Mayor’s Budget

West Perth – December 18, 2025 – The Municipality of West Perth has approved the 2026 Mayor’s Budget under Ontario’s Strong Mayor Budget Process. The budget focuses on maintaining essential services, addressing rising costs, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

Key Highlights:

Levy Increase: $861,803 (7.12%)
Tax Rate Increase (after growth): 5.65%
Impact: ~$106/year for a typical household; ~$160/year for farmland properties
New Service: PC Transit added to municipal offerings
Major Cost Driver: OPP contract up 11%

Capital Investments:

Arena upgrades
Development of Heron Business Park
Road rehabilitation (Line 32 & Line 49)
Water and wastewater system upgrades
Municipal equipment renewal and farmland drainage improvements

The budget reflects West Perth’s commitment to affordability, infrastructure renewal, and responsible planning. For details, visit www.westperth.com/budget or contact Wendy McMurray at wmcmurray@westperth.com.

Mayor's Budget

Media Release

The list of all of the fees and charges the Municipality of West Perth administers is reviewed, updated and approved by Council each year.

View our Fees and Charges page for a complete listing.

The Municipality's financial statements include all assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenditures that are under its care and control. Financial statements are audited yearly by a professional accounting firm to ensure that they provide an accurate presentation of the Municipality's financial position.

Financial reporting is completed to help with decision making and increase public accountability and transparency.