Taxes Lowered In Delaware County's 2019 Budget

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA – The Delaware County Council approved the county's 2019 budget and taxes are set to go down.

The 2019 budget, standing at $354.9 million, has a more than 2.5 percent tax decrease and reduces the county's expenses by several million dollars.

Council approved the budget at its Dec. 5 meeting.

The County built up a reserve balance of more than $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 percent for next year.

"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," McBlain said.

The 2019 budget reduces expenses by nearly $2.2 million. 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."

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