# City Council 2027 Budget Hearing 10/20/2026


**Body:** City of Easton
**Date:** October 19, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding


The City of Easton’s October 20, 2026, 2027 budget hearing included presentations on economic development and public works. The mayor said the administration was revising its budget proposal to eliminate a 1-mill tax increase, scoop-and-toss borrowing, and use of the undesignated reserve balance, citing an expected updated lease with the water authority. The parties had a tentative verbal agreement, with a letter of intent and formal lease expected to come before Council for public consideration and approval; no vote on the lease was reported. The discussion referenced a $3.25 million amount associated with the authority arrangement, but the transcript does not clearly establish the terms or whether that figure is annual rent. Economic development staff reported about $7 million in grants awarded, $6.5 million in applications awaiting decisions, and $3.4 million invested in projects through closed grants. Council requested a list of grant-funded projects.

Public works described upcoming infrastructure work, including road and intersection improvements, pedestrian-safety projects, park work, and a $1 million West Ward reforestation effort. The department’s budget would rise about $2 million, with major drivers including employee and health-insurance costs; it also cited a $122,000 increase from the trash contract’s 1.5% escalator. A proposed City Hall lighting upgrade would cost about $50,000 and is projected to save $13,000 annually, subject to further consideration and Council action. For the College Hill roof, staff had received a schedule from a previously unresponsive contractor; if the contractor defaults, the second bidder is $21,000 higher, and the city may seek to recover the difference through the performance bond. Staff also discussed potentially using parks-budget funds for approximately $8,000 in accessible playground surfacing. No procurement awards or budget votes were recorded in the transcript.

**Source:** City of Easton