Released: December 28, 2022
Delaware County Council unanimously approved the County’s FY 2023 budget at the December 14 public meeting. This year’s budget, which holds the line on taxes for tenth consecutive year, represents a significant step forward for the County as it transitions from the planning process of the last two budgets to funding ongoing, successful, and improved County operations in 2023.
“With this year’s budget, Council is building on the commitments we made when we first proposed significant improvements to how Delaware County government works, how it provides services equitably, and how we can work to make our county a place where people want to live, operate a business, and visit” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “Many of these improvements are long overdue and by being careful, thoughtful stewards of taxpayer’s money, we are not only meeting today’s needs, but also building the foundation for a stronger county for years to come.”
The newly adopted budget reflects the transition from the crisis management required to respond to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic to more strategic planning that will allow the county to better manage its costs even while it continues to implement the major priorities of returning the prison to public management and launching a certified health department. While the virus continues to pose ongoing problems, thanks to science, vaccines, immunity, and ongoing public mitigation efforts—the county is emerging stronger in many ways due to investments made in previous budgets.
Among the priorities in this year’s budget are:
A new “No Wrong Door” program which will dramatically improve the County’s ability to provide necessary services to residents no matter how or where they come into contact with government.
The launch of a “Zero Waste” program, which will completely transform the County's approach to handling waste. Not only will “Zero Waste” create new economic opportunities, but it will put Delaware County at the forefront of communities taking action to protect their natural resources.
The creation of a new landbank that will allow the County to reinvest in and revive underutilized and abandoned properties, allowing for affordable housing, new commercial development, and additional greenspace.
The continued transformation of the county's HR system to focus on building career paths for new workers by increasing training, benefits, and pay to attract and retain highly qualified county employees.
A continued commitment to being careful stewards of taxpayer resources by moving toward a “zero based budgeting” model for certain government agencies.
The adopted FY 2023 Budget can be found on our website at delcopa.gov/budget.