The Mississippi Mills Council is meeting on March 24, 2026, to address the implementation of new financial policies, including updates to emergency savings funds and a new fee for residents who receive paper bills. The session will focus on the reorganization of town financial accounts and the introduction of costs for utility and tax billing services.
Following a recent policy update approved on March 10, the municipality is combining two separate reserve accounts for the Mississippi Mills Fire Department into one. The fire department, led by Fire Chief and Director of Protective Services Mike Williams and 50 volunteer firefighters, will see $3,709,832 moved from the general capital reserve into stabilization funds. This move, recommended by consulting firm KPMG, is designed to ensure the community has the resources needed for future equipment and operational costs.
A new $2 fee for paper water bills begins with the March 2026 mailing cycle, and the same charge will be added to paper property tax bills starting in June 2026. The Municipality of Mississippi Mills is using the fee to offset the cost of printing and mailing bills. Staff reports from 2024 showed that mailing over 2,100 bills every cycle cost taxpayers nearly $26,000 annually.
To help residents avoid the extra charges, the town has been encouraging a switch to electronic billing, which has already saved approximately $9,900 per year. The savings come from more than 830 residents who have already moved to the digital system. This effort is part of a long-term financial review by KPMG which found that the municipality remains in a sound financial position.
The council session starts at 6 p.m. at the municipal office on Old Perth Road in Almonte, followed by a Committee of the Whole meeting. Residents can participate in these meetings in person or through a virtual video link to stay updated on local budget decisions and service changes.
