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Easton proposes $54.7 million FY27 budget; mill rate could rise about 8.6% to 33.68
Summary
The Easton Board of Finance presented a proposed FY2026–27 budget totaling $54,725,903, a 6.70% increase that, under current revenue assumptions, would raise the town mill rate roughly 8.64% to 33.68. The hearing included department line-item detail, capital and revenue forecasts, and public comment.
The Easton Board of Finance on March 23 presented a proposed FY2026–27 budget of $54,725,903, an increase of $3,435,361 (6.70%) over the current year that would raise the town’s mill rate an estimated 8.64% to 33.68.
Chair Art Laske told the public the total includes the Easton Board of Education and Easton’s share of the Region 9 budget and is based on departmental submissions and current revenue projections. The packet circulated at the hearing shows a requested education subtotal of $36,855,026 and detailed line items for general government, public safety, public works and fringe benefits.
The proposed budget lists several notable changes: the Easton Board of Education request rises $2,247,834 (10.79%), a newly added $1,000,000 line for BOE insurance (medical costs) is included, debt service is shown as decreasing in the detailed line items, and capital requests total roughly $1.26 million (including a $200,000 Town Hall roof replacement and $250,000 for BOE maintenance). The presentation also shows department-level changes such as a Town Hall operating increase of $309,173 and police department increases of $263,339.
Treasurer Christine Calvert’s revenue forecast circulated with the budget projects property tax receipts of $50,206,412 and total revenues that match total expenditures at $54,725,903; the assumptions include a 99% collection rate and a grand list of $1,505,874,500. Under those figures, the illustrative tax rate moves from 31.00 to 33.68.
Board materials presented a five-year capital plan with multiyear projections for vehicle and building replacements and listed road and bridge projects in future-year planning. The capital requests shown for FY27 include equipment for public works, a police patrol vehicle, and fire engine and gear replacements.
Members of the public spoke during two public-comment periods; minutes list speakers by name but do not include full verbatim remarks in the record. Chair Laske closed the hearing at 9:08 p.m.; the Board of Finance will review public input and consider adjustments before making a formal recommendation on the budget and mill rate.
