Easton maintains mil rate
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
EASTON — The 2011 municipal budget of $905,187 is up only slightly from 2010’s figure, according to Easton Town Manager Jim Gardner.
“In 2010, the budget was $877,681, so we’re up about $28,000, of which $25,000 goes for new roads,” said Gardner. “We’re trying to build good roads. To do so, you need to maintain what you have.”
Other things driving the slight increase include extra employee benefits and health care costs. All things considered, Gardner said town officials were pleased with this year’s figure.
“The departments came in with real nice budgets. We were able to cut some without any effect,” he said.
Unlike many communities in the state that are waiting for final school figures to come in to determine a set budget for their respective municipalities, Easton officials were able to get an idea what the school will need.
“The nice thing that happened in Easton is we actually know where the school is now. It’s not an SAD, so we sat down and worked with school officials. We could pretty much set the mil rate right now,” Gardner said.
Gardner said one thing Easton faced, unlike any other communities in the county, is a county tax increase.
“Last year Easton’s portion was about $161,000. This year we’re looking at around $236,000. That’s up 46.3 percent over last year. What happened was an $80 million TIF (tax increment financing) agreement came to an end in Easton. That leaves us with a nice industry base. It also makes Easton the fourth highest valued community in the county,” said Gardner.
The town manager said when TIFs go, property becomes more valuable.
“That’s where the county bases their taxes,” he said. “We have good neighbors in McCain Foods and Huber.”
The change, however, won’t affect local taxes.
“This won’t affect our mil rate, which remains at 14.6,” said Gardner. “We have a healthy surplus as well.”
Gardner said everything is done, when planning the budget, taking into consideration the citizens and needs of the taxpayers.
“If you can cut a quarter to a half mil, it’s a nice thing. What taxpayers don’t need now is more taxes,” said Gardner.
Town officials were able to make some cuts, thanks to the expertise Gardner brought to the position of town manager.
“We were able to cut the amount designated in the budget for a grant writer, because I can write grants,” he said.
Gardner said Easton actually grew under the latest census (now has a population of 1,287), proving the community is a good place to live and work. He’s looking forward to summer and being able to get out and about more, visiting with area businesses and residents.
“The selectmen want me involved. That’s what I do best — get involved,” said Gardner.
He was impressed with this year’s Town Meeting.
“It went very well, lasting about 28 minutes, with 39 in attendance. Citizens approved $63,000 for equipment for the fire department, as well as $20,000 for hot patchers for the highway department. The town will also be acquiring the Perry house, located in front of the Estey Cemetery, for $23,000, in order to expand the cemetery. We’re able to take about $106,000 out of surplus to cover these items,” Gardner said.
Town officials are focusing on capital improvement work that needs to be done.
“There’s a lot of work we want to do, it’s just a matter of planning,” said Gardner.
Gardner said knowing where the county is and having a good idea where the school’s at is very helpful knowledge to have.
“Knowing what’s going on and having a good idea where we stand with our budget, that’s good information to have,” said Gardner.
He’s optimistic that this will be a very good year for the town of Easton.
“It’s going to be a good year here. It’s nice to be able to say that,” said Gardner. “As always, I have an open-door policy and welcome input from the community — residents and business owners alike.”
The next big thing on Gardner’s agenda will be Easton Field Days — July 5-11 — when the community puts on its annual summer festival, inviting everyone to enjoy the many activities offered.
“We’re looking to put banners up welcoming visitors,” said Gardner. “In a couple years — 2015 — Easton will be celebrating its 150th anniversary.”
In the meantime, Gardner will be working to find ways to make the community even better.
“I’m looking for grants to be used for our capital needs,” he said.
Gardner said of all the benefits the community has to offer, it’s the willingness to work together that means the most.
“Our biggest asset is the citizens and the school are one. We work together to make this a great community, providing a great education for our children,” said Gardner. “The children are our future and remain a priority. It’s up to all of us to give them a community they can be proud of — one they can come home from college and raise a family in.”
