The town of Paradise will not be raising its commercial or residential mil rates in 2020.

The town passed it’s $37.9-million balanced budget yesterday evening. The residential mil rate will remain the same at 7.2, as will the commercial mil rate at 11.5.

The residential water and sewer rate will also stay the same at $600. However, changes are coming to the commercial water and sewer rate.

The town is moving from a per unit rate to a mil rate structure. The new mil rate will be 1.0, which the town says is one of the lowest in the region.

Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Laurie says the change was to make sure they have the funds for necessary upgrades to the Riverhead St. Thomas Treatment Plants.

She says they need to start planning for those projects today so they can build on it for the future.

Other highlights from the budget include developing an accessible transportation pilot program, funding for a number of road construction projects, partnering with the Aquarena to offer swimming lessons exclusive to town residents, and implementing a Business Concierge Program to help navigate the town’s application and development process.