New Castle County Council hears Community Services ask for $30.9 million in FY26 budget

Carrie Casey, general manager of the New Castle County Department of Community Services, told the County Council on May 22 that the department’s recommended FY26 budget totals $30,929,952, a $1,619,021 increase (about 5.52%) over FY25.

Casey said the majority of the increase — $1,224,353 — is for merit and collective bargaining wage increases and associated benefits. She also noted a new $75,000 operating line for 24‑hour security at the Hope Center and $27,004.80 to fund stipends for three advisory boards: the housing advisory board, library advisory board and public arts commission.

The department overview included staffing and program highlights. “We are at 62 full‑time staff,” Casey said, and reported nine vacancies as of May 19; five are funded by the general fund and four by grants. She said five vacancies are in active recruitment, one is posted and three will be posted in the coming two months.

Casey outlined recent accomplishments across divisions: a strategic plan and marketing push for Rockwood Park & Museums; expanded seven‑day operations in the Newark Library system while the new Newark branch moves toward demolition and bidding; and the first‑time award of Section 8 project‑based vouchers to developers to increase Housing Choice Voucher utilization.

Casey also reviewed revenue and grant expectations. She said the county received firm HUD entitlement and Housing Choice Voucher allocations this week and anticipates a small (about 5%) increase in state aid. She warned that a youth employment state grant has less funding than in prior years and that the county continues to draw on a federal LEHI grant with roughly $7.2 million remaining.

Council members asked about program details and contingency planning. Councilman Carter asked whether staff had contingency plans if federal programs (Medicaid, SNAP) change; Casey said the department is drawing funds quickly to ensure reimbursement, maintaining program reserves and seeking alternative sources, including state grant opportunities for home repair. Councilman Toole suggested reviewing whether programs funded with ARPA would be better placed administratively under a different office to align duties.

Councilman Hollins, a co‑chair of the council’s community services oversight, praised the department’s record of administering federal dollars and noted HUD recognition for the county’s housing programs.

The presentation closed with Casey’s performance metrics: she said the department projects 32,000 people enrolled in community resource programs in FY25 and about 1.6 million library visits countywide. “We’re really honored to do this work,” Casey said, thanking council and county executive staff for support.

The council did not take a separate vote on the department request during the May 22 hearing; budget adoption is scheduled for the June 2 and June 10 meetings per the council’s calendar.