A recent letter to the editor in the print edition of the Wellington Times by Rick Currie raised serious concerns about the financial trajectory of Prince Edward County. He criticized the doubling of the budget, spiking project costs, recurring tax increases, and a lack of transparency in housing development.
Our fact‑check examines four core claims:
Claim 1 – Municipal Budget Growth (2017 vs. 2025)
Currie asserted that the budget rose from $61 million in 2017 to $132 million in 2025. Public records indicate the 2018 approved budget stood at $68.3 million, suggesting the 2017 baseline was closer to $65 million. By 2025, the combined operating and capital budget reached approximately $140.6 million—even higher than Currie’s figure. This doubling is real, though his numbers are slightly understated. His core point remains solid: municipal spending has sharply increased.12
Claim 2 – Public Works Force Cost Escalation
Currie suggested the County’s “Public Works force” rose from a projected cost of $20 million to $60 million. While this language might imply staffing costs, it is more likely that he refers to the total capital investment in Public Works infrastructure—including roads, fleet equipment, and depot facilities—rather than payroll alone. Public records show that the 2025 capital budget allocates close to $60 million toward roads and associated infrastructure projects. Notable line items include $3.6 million for rural road rehabilitation, $3 million for County Road 1 reconstruction, and $7.8 million for County Road 49 upgrades.3
In addition, the County’s equipment reserve is projected to face a $2.6 million deficit by 2026 due to rising vehicle and machinery costs.4 No single report confirms a $20 million baseline, nor does one attribute a $60 million total to a single project. However, taken together, the County’s overall capital investment in Public Works assets—including roadworks, machinery, and infrastructure—likely aligns with Currie’s broader claim. It reflects a pattern of large-scale budget growth in Public Works, consistent with inflation, supply chain delays, and aging infrastructure. The figure appears plausible, even if the specifics are unverified.
Claim 3 – Property Tax Increases (~5% Annually)
Currie characterized annual tax increases at around 5%. Indeed, tax levy changes have mostly ranged from 4% to 6%, translating to net increases of about 3%–5% after assessment adjustments. Examples: 5.3% in 2018, 5.1% in 2019, 5.52% in 2022, about 5% in 2023, and 3.79% in 2025. The only outlier was 2021, with just a 1.5% increase during the pandemic. So while generalizing, Currie’s claim accurately reflects the trend.56
Claim 4 – Modular Housing Project: 32 Units & No Business Case
Currie referred to a 32-unit modular housing project lacking a business case. In fact, the County is building 52 affordable units—comprising a 40-unit traditional building in Wellington and a 12-unit modular build in Picton. The 32-unit figure appears inaccurate or outdated. As for the business case, no detailed financial justification (such as a published feasibility report) was made public—only high-level Council approvals and tax exemptions, some in closed session. Currie’s transparency concerns are justified, even if the specifics are off.78
Broader Context
The County faces aging infrastructure and an acknowledged capital funding gap—estimates show it needs to invest $31 million annually just to maintain roads and bridges. Major projects, including roads, the long-term care facility, and affordable housing, have driven recent budget increases. While provincial and federal grants support these facilities, taxpayers still bear a growing cost through higher taxes and borrowing.9
Summary Table
| Claim | Accuracy |
|---|---|
| Budget doubled (2017–2025) | True, slightly off numerically |
| Public Works cost escalation | Plausible, lacks official confirmation |
| Tax rises ~5% annually | Accurate, minor variations exist |
| 32 modular units & no business case | Partly incorrect on units; transparency concern valid |
Conclusion
Rick Currie’s letter captures key financial trends in Prince Edward County: rapidly escalating budgets, rising taxes, and infrastructure pressures. While a few numbers differ slightly from public records, the overall critique is sound. The absence of transparent project details—especially around big-ticket items like housing—is a legitimate concern that warrants closer scrutiny.
Sources
Infrastructure investment plans – CountyLive
- Prince Edward County 2018 Budget approval – Picton Gazette
- 2025 Budget details – County Live
- 2025 Budget roads and capital – Quinte News
- Road equipment reserves – Picton Gazette
- 2018–2021 Budget reporting – Picton Gazette
- 2023 Budget reporting – Canada Info
- Affordable housing updates – TheCounty.ca
- Council tax exemption decision – Insauga
Glossary
- Operating Budget — Annual funds for daily administration, services, and staff costs.
- Capital Budget — Funds allocated for long-term infrastructure projects like buildings and roads.
- Budget Doubling — When combined budgets double in value over a period (e.g., from ~$65M to ~$141M).
- Tax Levy — The total amount raised via property taxes in a given year.
- Modular Housing — Prefabricated units constructed off-site and assembled rapidly on location.
- Business Case — A financial analysis or feasibility report assessing project costs, benefits, and risks.
- Asset Management — Planning frameworks that determine how to maintain infrastructure over time.