Espanola taxpayers will see a slight increase in their tax bills this year but they will also see one of the largest capital projects in the town’s history completed.
Deputy Mayor Bill Foster, who also chaired the budget committee, says the council had been looking at a 1.5% increase in taxes, but thanks to an increase of $71,072 in new assessment growth the levy portion will come in at 0.63%.
Highlights of this year’s budget include the installation of a new trunk main to improve water quality and reliability; the Black Creek Bridge replacement and work on the Town’s sewage plant.
Other initiatives include the establishment of reserves for future potential projects including the establishment of a splash pad, dog park and pickle-ball courts.
The 2021 town budget totals just over $7-point-seven-million dollars ($7,744,459).