Easton sets 2021 budget without tax or fee increases, but expects more worker furloughs
Updated Dec 10, 2020;
The budget keeps property taxes flat at 24.95 mills, the highest municipal rate in Northampton County. A mill is $1 in tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. A home valued at $200,000 and assessed for tax purposes at $100,000 generates a city property tax bill of $2,495.
Council is also keeping city fees flat for 2021, including by not passing on to residents an increase of about $500,000 in Easton’s contract for trash and recycling. Councilman Peter Melan had suggested considering raising trash and recycling fees but got no support, and he cast the lone vote Wednesday night against the spending plan.
EASTON, Pa. â The Easton City Council approved its 2021 municipal budget with a 0% tax increase.
On Wednesday, the council voted 6-1 to pass the ordinance for the $61 million municipal budget on second reading. Councilman Peter Melan cast the sole no vote.
âWeâre not raising taxes for the 13th year in a row,â said Mayor Sal Panto. Â
The council voted unanimously in favor setting the 0% tax rate increase. The budget also does not present any increases to sewer and trash fees.
Panto said that even though the budget has been approved, real estate taxes have not been fully accounted for and could adjust the final budget figures.