Kent County treasurer reports higher investment income, lodging-tax growth and rising tax delinquencies

Kent County Treasurer Peter McGregor told the Board of Commissioners that county investment income totaled just under $3 million in 2024, the county’s lodging excise tax rose from 5% to 8% in January 2025 and delinquent property‑tax dollar totals have climbed even though the number of delinquent parcels has stayed roughly level.

McGregor gave the commission a roughly 35–40 minute briefing on the treasurer’s office mission, investments, lodging‑tax collection and delinquent‑tax procedures. “SLI is an acronym obviously for safety, liquidity and yield. The weight favors the safety. That’s kind of my number one concern,” McGregor said, describing the office’s investment philosophy. He told the board the county’s portfolio is concentrated in certificates of deposit and local banking instruments and that the county’s investment policy and state statute (Public Act 20) guide holdings.

Why it matters: investment income and lodging taxes affect county revenues available for services, while rising delinquency balances can increase pressure on foreclosures and local units that rely on property‑tax…