Council unanimously votes to decrease 2019 property taxe
Delaware County Council voted to approve the 2019 Budget during its public council meeting held on Dec. 12.
After months of budget meetings and a public budget hearing held on Dec. 5, Council approved a 2019 budget that decreases property taxes, while maintaining services for county residents. County Council approved a general fund budget of $354,877,000 for 2019.
The County has successfully built up a reserve balance of over $53 million going into 2019. Chairman John McBlain proposed and Council unanimously approved the motion to use $4.3 million from the unassigned fund balance to decrease property taxes for 2019 in the form of a tax rate reduction of 2.55% for 2019. Council pledged to continue working to find further opportunities to cut spending, generate non-tax revenue and maintain this reduced tax rate going forward.
“Very good budget management, sound fiscal policies and the continued economic expansion in Delaware County have enabled us to adopt a budget where we reduce real estate taxes by 2.55% while also continuing to provide our residents with vital services and resources,” said Delaware County Council Chairman John McBlain.
The 2019 budget reduces expenses by almost $2.2 million overall. The economic increase in Delaware County grew the county’s tax base by $228.5 million, which raised an additional $1.25 million in revenue.
“The county has increased its reserves over the past several years though increased revenues in areas such as 911 and Fair Acres and decreased its spending through rigorous budget oversight by both the County and Courts,” said Delaware County Executive Director Marianne Grace. “My office was pleased to deliver a budget that gives Council this opportunity to provide tax payer relief.”
Council also discussed conducting a thorough study of the wage and benefits packages of County employees. Council discussed working to increase the overall compensation for County employees to be more competitive in order to attract and retain a skilled and qualified workforce who can best serve the residents of Delaware County.
“I appreciate Council’s commitment to a comprehensive review with a focus on adequate compensation for our current staff as well as the ability to attract and retain qualified staff.”
Video of the presentation and discussion of the 2019 budget can be found here: https://bit.ly/2QwFWbT