Proposed 2027 City Budget and Tax Increase
Summary
In the pre-council budget hearing, the police chief presented a ~4% increase driven by health insurance and salaries while holding overtime flat despite seven vacancies, and the fire chief presented a flat budget with heavy overtime driven by injuries and military deployments.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Nov 10, 2026.
Impact analysis
Police budget up about $584,000 (4%) and traffic division up about $166,000; fire budget held flat.
Residents benefit from full staffing efforts and controlled overtime costs.
None immediately, though future budget adjustments may impact city services.
Mentions & discussions (7)
City Council - Nov 10, 2026
In the pre-council budget hearing, the police chief presented a ~4% increase driven by health insurance and salaries while holding overtime flat despite seven vacancies, and the fire chief presented a flat budget with heavy overtime driven by injuries and military deployments.
City Council - Oct 1, 2026
Mayor Panto introduced the 2027 budget, which includes a one-mill property tax increase to help cover surging healthcare costs and city operations. The budget balances fiscal constraints with ongoing capital projects like fire station upgrades and park improvements.
‘This budget has no fat’: Easton’s mayor calls for first tax increase in 19 years - WFMZ.com
‘This budget has no fat’: Easton’s mayor calls for first tax increase in 19 years WFMZ.com
City Council - Aug 25, 2026
City officials discussed unexpected financial strains, specifically a multi-million dollar increase in healthcare costs, requiring short-term borrowing.
Zoning Hearing Board - Feb 10, 2026
City administration submitted a two-year forecasted budget for 2027 projecting an operating deficit of $886,000, driven largely by flat revenues and contractual expense increases.
Easton approves 2026 budget with no tax increase just under the wire - Lehigh Valley Public Media
Easton approves 2026 budget with no tax increase just under the wire Lehigh Valley Public Media
Easton approves $70.86 million budget with no tax increases for 2025 - Lehigh Valley Public Media
Easton approves $70.86 million budget with no tax increases for 2025 Lehigh Valley Public Media
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