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Sussex County presents $285.1 million FY2026 budget; RTT and sewer capital drive increase
Summary
County staff introduced a $285.1 million proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2026 that holds a revenue‑neutral property tax rate, relies more on realty transfer tax and a large sewer capital program, and proposes modest fee increases for water and sewer service.
Sussex County Council on May 20 heard a budget introduction from county staff that recommends a $285,100,000 fiscal year 2026 operating budget and introduces the ordinances needed to begin the public process.
The proposed FY2026 budget, presented by staff, is $19,400,000 higher than FY2025 and the increase is being driven primarily by one‑time capital expenditures in the sewer capital fund, including upgrades at inland bays and the Wolfneck regional wastewater facilities. County staff said the recommended property tax rate is revenue neutral at 2.14 cents and that realty transfer tax (RTT) revenue is budgeted $2,000,000 higher than FY2025.
The presentation highlighted why the budget matters: RTT is identified as the county’s single largest revenue source and funds public safety, economic development, public works and other core services. County staff said they used cautious revenue projections…
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