EASTON, Pa. – During its first meeting of the year, Easton City Council took up a proposal to give senior homeowners a rebate on city property taxes.
“I just think this is a great opportunity, because this rebate is coming from zero input of monies from the citizens of Easton,” City Council member Dr. Roger Ruggles says.
The program would be funded using fuel savings from the city’s transition to hybrid police vehicles. Council members debated how much money would actually reach residents and whether it was the right time to implement the program.
“This is all coming from savings that we’re generating from changing our police cars over to hybrids. And the savings are substantial,” Dr. Ruggles added. “Once this is implemented with all the cars, it’s anticipated that we will reduce our carbon footprint, our CO2 output from those cars, by a million pounds per year.”
Some council members expressed caution.
“I think it’s a great idea, as I said before. My concern is we know that we have a budget gap over the next five years. In year five, I think it’s $2.6 million,” City Council member Frank Pintabone says. “Maybe they get a check back for $25, $40. But it doesn’t help that if we turn around and increase their property tax at the end of the year.”
Despite debate, the ordinance passed by a narrow 4-3 vote. Council members said the program is expected to take effect for 2027 property taxes, giving the city time to fully implement its hybrid fleet and gross the rebate fund.
“I think that the tax rebate’s okay, even though I’m worried about them having to give it back because the deficit they have in the next few years on the council. Otherwise, I think they’re doing a great job, really,” Easton resident Artie Ravitz says.
Seniors will need to apply each year to receive the rebate.
The meeting concluded with the swearing in of 3 newly elected members, officially starting the new council term.