Residents of Delaware County expressed significant concern over a proposed 19% increase in property taxes during a recent County Council meeting. The proposal, part of the budget put forth by County Executive Director Barbara O’Malley for 2026, is set to undergo its first reading on December 3, 2023, with a final budget approval anticipated by December 10. This tax hike follows a 23% increase enacted last year, which raised the property tax for an average assessment of $255,108 from $803.34 to $988.03.
Residents voiced their opposition during the meeting, highlighting the financial burden the increase would place on families already struggling with rising costs. For those with an average property assessment, the proposed tax increase would add nearly $188 to their annual bill.
Concerns About Financial Impact
Cynthia Sabatini, a resident from Upper Providence, emphasized the financial strain that the proposed tax hike would create. During her remarks, she noted the recent success of the Delaware County Community Food Drive, which underscored the urgent need for support among residents. “It’s obvious that people are hurting financially in Delaware County,” she stated, adding that the proposed tax increases could force families to choose between paying taxes and affording essential items like food and medicine.
Last year’s tax increase was supported by the County Council, with Richard Womack as the only dissenting voice. Womack has been advocating for a Budget Task Force to address the county’s fiscal challenges. Sabatini pointed out that the largest increases in spending stem from the justice system, warning that such tax hikes could exacerbate issues like domestic abuse and crime.
Budget Justifications and Critiques
During the meeting, Michael Connolly, Delaware County’s Communications Director, outlined the reasons for the proposed tax increase. He cited a structural deficit inherited by the Council, insufficient budget reserves, the cessation of pandemic-related funding, and rising costs associated with public services, including mandatory contributions to SEPTA and health care expenses.
Residents challenged the county’s financial management. Michael Straw from Media questioned why the budget had not been released before the recent elections to promote transparency. He expressed frustration over what he described as excessive spending, indicating that the proposed budget reflects a 6% increase in spending from 2025 to 2026.
Straw criticized the county’s spending habits, including a projected $3.4 million for outside legal counsel in the proposed budget. He argued that the county’s expanding legal budget was irresponsible and detrimental to taxpayers. “Until this council changes its desire to continue growing the size of our county government, we’re likely going to see more tax increases to come,” he concluded.
Other residents, like Joy Schwartz of Drexel Hill, raised questions about the necessity of certain county initiatives. She highlighted expenditures such as the proposed $61 million budget for the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, pointing out that the number of inmates had significantly decreased while costs continued to rise.
Kim Brown from Colwyn echoed Schwartz’s concerns regarding prison spending, emphasizing the disparity between the facility’s operational costs and its declining inmate population. She called for a financial audit to assess the spending patterns at the correctional facility.
Connolly defended the county’s spending, noting that rising costs in essential services such as food and health care would continue regardless of who manages the facility. He stated that the county is committed to providing a safe and humane environment for its residents, regardless of past management decisions.
As discussions surrounding the proposed tax increase continue, residents remain adamant that their voices must be heard in the decision-making process. The upcoming County Council meeting on December 3 will be a crucial moment for residents to express their concerns and seek clarity on the county’s financial future.
