Is a Proposition 2½ Override a Reasonable Investment?
Easton's property taxes are reasonable compared to similar communities, and a Proposition 2½ override represents a prudent investment in sustaining essential services. Here's one take on why:
✅ Easton’s Property Taxes Are Reasonable in Context
1. Competitive Tax Rates: In Fiscal Year 2025, Easton's residential property tax rate is $12.48 per $1,000 of assessed value, a decrease from $13.35 in FY2024 . This rate is competitive when compared to neighboring towns and reflects the town's commitment to fiscal responsibility, but notably, the residential property tax rate of Easton in FY25 is lower than it has been in 16 years. The last time it was this low was in FY2009. The highest residential property tax rate for Easton in recent history was $16.78 in 2015. Even including the $1.24 estimated tax rate impact of the override, the tax rate for Easton is only $13.72, lower than all but one year since FY2010 (FY2024) and is only slightly higher than FY2024.
2. Declining Tax Burden Relative to Property Value: Over the past decade, Easton's average tax bill as a percentage of assessed property value has decreased from 1.65% in FY2015 to 1.34% in FY2024, falling below the peer group average of 1.4% . This trend indicates a declining tax burden relative to property values. In FY2025, it fell further down to 1.25%, the lowest it has been since FY2010 (when it was 1.24%). Even with the impact of the override included, this would still only be an estimated 1.37% for FY2025, which is below the peer group average and lower than it was less than two years ago in FY2023.
3. Lower Tax Burden Relative to Income: Easton's residents enjoy a lower tax burden relative to income. The average property tax in FY24 as a percentage of per capita income stands at 15.1%, which is 14% lower than the peer group average of 17.72% . This suggests that, despite higher property values, residents are not overburdened by property taxes. Easton as a community can afford the increase. The impact of the override on the tax bill as a percentage of per capita income in town would still leave us below the FY24 estimate, as for FY25, the tax burden relative to income went down to only 13.55% (which would go back up to approximately 14.89%, still lower than FY24).
🏛️ Why an Override Is a Responsible Investment
1. Limited Revenue Growth: Easton's primary revenue sources—property taxes and state aid—are constrained. Property tax revenue growth is capped at 2.5% annually under Proposition 2½, and state aid has seen minimal increases, often below inflation rates . This structural limitation hampers the town's ability to fund essential services adequately. Since before 2016, the town has been communicating that we have had a structural deficit caused by the combination of Proposition 2½ and Easton being a “Minimum Aid” state under the Chapter 70 state funding formula for school-age children.
2. Historical Fiscal Prudence: Easton has demonstrated fiscal restraint, with only one operating override approved in the past 19 years (in 2006). Instead of relying on overrides, the Town of Easton has focused on adding new growth revenue and keeping the per capita spending in the town low. Compared to nearby towns, Easton spends less per capita and has routinely ranked higher in performance. This history underscores the town's cautious approach to increasing the tax levy and its commitment to financial sustainability. The town even created a committee entirely focused on Promoting A Sustainable Easton (PASE) to analyze town spending and identify any issues in the This is the longest Easton has gone without an override since Proposition 2½ was enacted in 1980.
3. Targeted Use of Overrides: Overrides are designed to address funding needs in the overall operating budget of the town, while debt exclusions are used typically for capital projects. For instance, debt exclusions approved by voters have funded significant capital projects like the Blanche Ames Elementary School and Public Safety facilities with the tax impact from these exclusions ending once the debt is paid off. Operating overrides, on the other hand, are permanent corrections to the tax rate of the town to fund and maintain the essential services in the town such as schools, fire department, police department, town administration, and department of public works.
📊 Conclusion
Easton's property tax rates are reasonable and reflect a balance between necessary revenue generation and taxpayer burden. The town's careful fiscal management and infrequent use of overrides demonstrate a commitment to responsible governance. A Proposition 2½ override, when proposed, is a thoughtful response to funding limitations and is essential for maintaining the quality of services that residents expect and rely upon.
To estimate the impact of the tax impact of the override for your property, the Town of Easton has released a tax estimation calculator here.
