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Delaware County adopts balanced 2026 budget, cites $6.7M in property tax reductions
Summary
County commissioners adopted a balanced 2026 budget Nov. 24 that officials say will deliver roughly $6.7 million in millage reductions to property owners and maintain allocations for public safety and infrastructure.
The Delaware County Board of Commissioners adopted the 2026 appropriations at its Nov. 24 meeting, approving a budget that staff described as balanced and targeted to sustain public safety and infrastructure investments.
Director of finance Justin Aby summarized the plan, saying the general fund is balanced and the budget includes tax-rate changes that staff estimated will provide "about, $6,700,000 in savings to property owners next year." Commissioners praised the department directors and staff for closing an earlier projected deficit through spending reductions and adjustments.
Commissioners discussed spending priorities. Board members said the budget continues county investments in roads and sewers, plans to add deputies and funds for a new EMS station, and keeps a focus on long-range planning. Administrator Tracy Davies thanked department directors and highlighted work by Sheriff Balzer and County Engineer Chris Bauserman in achieving the balanced plan.
Two personnel items that relate to compensation were approved alongside the budget: Resolution 25-1008 amending county wage bands and Resolution 25-1009 approving merit and year-end cost-of-living adjustments for eligible nonunion employees. Dawn Houston, deputy administrator, described the wage-band adjustments as a slight increase intended "to remain competitive in the labor market." Staff said some bargaining units and specific union groups (notably job-and-family-services union employees) were excluded from the merit program because they were negotiating separate contracts.
The budget and related personnel changes passed on recorded votes with Commissioners Lewis, Merrill and Benton voting in favor. The board will finalize implementation through department-level allocations and scheduled payroll changes.
