Trappe adopts FY2027 budget, holds tax rates steady and sets residential trash fee

The Trappe Town Council adopted Ordinance 1-2026 on June 3, approving the town’s General Fund and the Enterprise Budget for water and sewer for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. The ordinance establishes a residential property tax rate of $0.33 per $100 of assessed value, a commercial/business personal property and public utilities rate of $0.75 per $100, and a yearly trash collection fee of $189.80 per household.

President Newnam read the ordinance in a public hearing and answered questions from residents about access to the budget and whether rates would increase. John Farwell asked that the budget be made available before the hearing; President Newnam said the budget "is on the Town’s website." Mary Ann Windsor asked about increases in the tax and water/sewer rates; Newnam said "all the rates are the same as this fiscal year, there are no increases." Following the hearing, Commissioner Potter moved to adopt the ordinance and Commissioner Chase seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

The ordinance also adopts the Enterprise Budget for the Town’s water and sewer operations. No separate increases to the water and sewer rates were announced during the hearing. The council’s approval was unanimous: Deakins — Y; Sullivan — Y; Newnam — Y; Potter — Y; Chase — Y. The ordinance is identified in the record as Ordinance 1-2026.