New Castle County Council OKs $700,000 realignment for fuel and police supplies after debate

New Castle County Council voted unanimously at its April 2025 meeting to approve Ordinance 25-032, realigning $700,000 in the FY2025 operating budget to cover rising fuel costs and police materials and supplies.

The ordinance moves $700,000 from general fund debt service: $350,000 to the Department of Public Works, division of fleet operations (to fund gasoline) and $350,000 to the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police (materials and supplies). The council passed the measure by roll call; the clerk reported 13 yes votes and no no votes.

Why it matters: The transfer is intended to cover immediate operating shortfalls for fuel and police equipment during FY2025. Council members pressed county staff for details about the breakdown and why the funds were needed mid‑year.

Council debate and questions

Councilman Street pressed for more detail on the origin and prior handling of the funds, asking why earlier budgeted amounts had not covered current needs and whether other revenue sources had been tapped. He said itemized figures presented in committee and for the ordinance did not add up to the $350,000 requested for police materials and supplies and expressed concern that money budgeted for officer salaries did not address equipment and fleet needs.

Councilman Koneko said he had circulated a line-item spreadsheet to council members in advance and offered to answer questions. Several council members said the increase in fuel and supply needs was not unexpected given recent price changes.

County response and public comment

Colonel Jamie Leonard, chief of police, addressed council questions about the police materials and supplies portion. Leonard said the police department’s materials-and-supplies allocation for FY2025 was the lowest in six years and that inflation—especially for textiles—has substantially raised unit costs (he cited an example that a uniform shirt cost roughly $102 in 2020 and was about $187 now). Leonard said the department did not intend to include vehicles in the $350,000 request (vehicle charges are handled separately as cross‑charges through the general manager) and explained the money would help equip a larger-than-expected academy class slated to graduate in July and cover contractual services that grew because of technology and inflation pressures. Leonard apologized that police representatives had not attended the committee meeting where the item was discussed and said the department had supplied a cost breakout in advance.

A member of the public, Rob Bullock of the 913 Community Alliance, urged the county to explore alternative suppliers or local textile vendors to lower uniform costs and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in how the funds are used.

Council response and vote

Councilman Carter and others said the county planned to address recurring fuel and utility budget gaps in next year’s budget. After debate and public comment the council approved the ordinance on a roll call vote with 13 yes, 0 no.

Action details

Ordinance: 25-032 — Amend the FY2025 approved operating budget; realign $700,000 from general fund debt service to Department of Public Works (fleet operations materials and supplies) to fund gasoline ($350,000) and to Department of Public Safety, Division of Police (materials and supplies) ($350,000). Moved by Councilman Sheldon; second not specified in the record. Vote: 13 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved.

Ending

The ordinance provides one-time funding to cover current fuel and supply shortfalls. Council members said they expect to adjust baseline budgets in the FY2026 process to reduce the need for mid‑year transfers.