Newly elected Councillor Ramsey Hart says Perth’s community grant program could become a point of debate as the town’s incoming council begins preparing its 2027 budget.
Hart says some residents and councillors have identified the program as an area where they would like to see changes, although he supports continued funding for organizations providing vital services.
Hart says keeping taxes down will also be a priority as councillors look for ways to spend taxpayers’ money responsibly.
Hart, the long-time Executive Director of The Table Community Food Centre, says the incoming council will have to balance taxpayer affordability with the needs of local community agencies.
The 2026 budget listed about $247,900 in grant funding for the Town of Perth, including $15,000 to The Table.
The largest contribution was to the the Perth Hospital for $98,000, their annual donation.
The 2027 budget will be among the first major challenges for the new council, which includes several first-time councillors alongside returning members.
The new council is scheduled to be inaugurated November 17.
