THOMPSON — Thompson finally passed their 2021 budget on November 17, and for the sixth year in a row the town projects a tax decrease, despite a pandemic.

According to the town, the $22 million budget includes sewer and water districts which account for 23 percent of their spending. This is due to the aging infrastructure and increased demands from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Thompson manages 17 water and sewer districts which includes five sewer plants and four water systems.

Much of the water and sewer infrastructure is deteriorating and needs upgrades or replacements.

Those upgrades will be factored into the 2021 budget, and Town Supervisor Bill Rieber Jr. said previously that there would be a “modest” increase to the water and sewer rates.

In 2020, the town completed construction on a new pavilion at their town park and made improvements to the trails at their town park on Old Liberty Road.

Furthermore, the town is well underway in revamping the old Camp Jened in Rock Hill, which will now be known as Lake Ida Park. The new park plans to open in 2021.

Moreover, the town has made an effort in 2020 to do away with unsafe structures throughout the town.

Likewise, the town has invested in new town vehicles and heavy construction equipment without borrowing money.

Supervisor Rieber said, “While this has been a most difficult year for the entire world, we will weather the storm and come back stronger than ever. Thompson is experiencing a robust real estate market, and commercial construction still continues at a rapid pace. The goal is to continue to be the economic driver for Sullivan County and to welcome businesses and new residents alike to Thompson. The Town Board and our staff, and other elected officials have worked hard to manage this growth by balancing taxes, improving our quality of life by reducing blight, and improving parks. We will seize every opportunity available to maximize results, lower taxes, and make our community a better place to live.”