Delaware County Council adopts 2026 budget, approves transfers and rainy-day ordinance amendments

Delaware County Council members approved the county’s 2026 budget, an airport appropriation and a package of transfers and appropriations during their final budget hearing, and adopted changes to the county’s rainy‑day ordinance on second reading.

The council voted to approve the airport appropriation (listed in the record as 2025‑017) after a motion by Council member Jessica (mover) and a second by Council member Dan (seconder). A separate motion by Jessica, seconded by Dan, approved the county budget (recorded as 2025‑016). Roll calls recorded unanimous affirmative votes on both measures.

Why it matters: the votes finalize spending levels and internal transfers that will guide county operations for the coming fiscal year and clarify how the county may use reserve (rainy‑day) funds going forward.

Council approved multiple line‑item transfers and appropriations during the hearing. Highlights included moving $8,425 into equipment to cover a juvenile‑court grommet and a micro PC (the micro PC was quoted at $730 but the department added contingency), and removing $8,200 previously budgeted for jury chairs after receiving a quote of $7,278.60. The motor‑vehicle/highway fund moved $88,219 from health insurance into vehicle purchases to support truck leases after the state reduced anticipated local roads funding. The council approved $60,000 for a final radio console as part of a multiyear upgrade to the emergency communications center; a $31,500 drug‑free community fund to be distributed during Red Ribbon Week; and a $10,000 EMS capital outlay to cover interim utilities.

The council also approved a motion to enact financial transfers and to amend…