EASTON, Pa. — Easton will not see a tax increase in 2025, Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said at Tuesday’s proposed city budget meeting, marking 18 years of steady rates for residents.
Panto stressed the achievement of a steady property tax millage for nearly two decades despite the opportunity to do otherwise during his 2025 budget speech, though the mayor also pointed to increased expenses and “living within your means”
Other highlights from the upcoming year’s budget include an $800,000 increase in health insurance and a $1,910,515 tax reduction in the city's budget in order to fund a distressed fire and police pension plan.
The mayor’s proposed budget sits at $38,451,837, down $195,963 from 2024, but maintaining the property tax rate for yet another year appears to have been the highlight of the day.
“I’m going to say it loud and proud: There's no new taxes. You don't have to worry about that. I mean, it's going to be 18 years without a property tax increase,” Panto said.
And while that was a hallmark point to celebrate, the mayor did note that the path forward will not be without challenges.
“Easton is doing well, very well, as long as we understand that this budget isn’t all things to all people. We must provide the services the majority of our residents want, and deserve, but within the means our residents can afford.”Sal Panto Jr.
“Let me make this clear — the city’s financial and budgetary challenges are great and our opportunities for improving how we manage city funds are many. We will continue to work always with the residents in mind giving them the most services and facilities that are within our budget. We aren’t wealthy — rather, we manage our financial resources very well,” Panto said.
“Let me say this as well. Easton is doing well, very well, as long as we understand that this budget isn’t all things to all people. We must provide the services the majority of our residents want, and deserve, but within the means our residents can afford.”
Currently sitting at $90 million, the city’s pension plan has been moved from “moderately” to “minimally distressed,” allowing for the elimination of the non-resident tax.
“It’s removal will basically give more than 9,000 people who work in the city but do not live in the city a 1 percent raise in addition to the raise their employer may award them — a 3 percent raise becomes 4 percent,” Panto said.
Fees and 'major changes'
Panto also stated that there will be “major changes” to the city’s fees, pointing to both water and sewage and annual parking fees in particular.
According to the mayor, a $2 increase to water and sewer payments will help to cover administrative costs. City Administrator Luis Campos later pointed out residents can pay those bills online to avoid the fee.
As for annual parking fees, the $100 rate — which, adjusted for inflation, would amount to about $277 — may be increased to $125, though the mayor did highlight that it “was introduced in the late 80s… and hasn’t been increased since.”
The budget also includes the delivery in 2025 of a new pumper and a new tiller ladder truck for a total investment for $3 million, augmenting the city’s fire departments.
The mayor also highlighted that the “city’s most valuable resource,” will not see any staff reductions to their force of 275 individuals in 2025.
“No layoffs or eliminations are planned in this budget. As a matter of fact, we are creating one new position. That position is a sustainability coordinator," Panto said. "We have until 2035 to meet our Climate Action Plan record of reducing our greenhouse emissions, and we need somebody on staff that's going to direct the directors to make sure that they're following that plan."
Looking into the future, Panto said the $1 million per year lease of water plant facilities to the Easton Suburban Water Authority may be leaving money on the table, with suburban residents enjoying rates far below average.
Panto pointed to ESWA’s $8 per month fee, comparing it to South Whitehall Township’s $10 fee, PAWC’s $17.50, and Aqua’s $21.51 per month fee as examples of the asset’s value.
The mayor said the lease is likely worth about $5 million, with an outright sale of the facilities amounting to “at least $200 million.”
Campos said there is a tentative plan to finalize negotiations this year, but the mayor did say negotiations may continue into 2025 if proper terms are not met.
The mayor said he already has recommendations for the potential increase in funding: fixing Heil Pool at a cost of about $1.5 to $2 million, upgrades to three firehouses at more than $13 million, and a potential need to build a new Central Fire Station, which may run up to $20 million.
Panto wrapped up the meeting stating his administration will be working alongside city council to refine the budget over the next two-and-a-half months, with a goal to achieve a final budget focusing on “needs, not wants.”
“We'll be working with you for the next two months, until December 15 to adopt this budget with any changes you want to make,” Panto said to the city council before concluding the meeting.
