UPDATE: Delaware County Council is facing intense public outcry over a proposed 19% property tax increase as officials prepare for a crucial budget vote. At a heated council meeting earlier this month, county residents voiced their concerns regarding the financial burden of the tax hike outlined in Executive Director Barbara O’Malley’s 2026 budget proposal, which will see its first reading on December 3 and final adoption expected by December 10.
This tax increase comes on the heels of a staggering 23% hike enacted last year, pushing the average property owner’s tax bill from $803.34 to $988.03. For 2026, residents can expect an additional cost of nearly $188 based on the prior year’s tax burden, raising alarms among many who fear financial distress.
Residents like Cynthia Sabatini of Upper Providence articulated the dire consequences of such increases. “People are hurting financially in Delaware County,” she said, stressing that the tax hikes could force families to choose between essential needs like food and medicine or paying their taxes.
During the meeting, residents like Michael Straw called for fiscal responsibility, criticizing the council’s increasing expenditures, which have surged by 6% from 2025 to 2026. He questioned why the county’s budget was not disclosed before the recent elections, which could have provided transparency to voters.
The proposed budget also raises concerns about spending at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, where costs are set to rise to nearly $61 million despite a declining inmate population. Kim Brown, a concerned resident, highlighted that the facility’s operational costs have skyrocketed, even though the number of inmates has halved since before the county took over management.
Officials attribute the need for increased taxation to various factors, including a structural deficit, the ending of pandemic-related funding, and rising operational costs, including a required contribution to SEPTA and healthcare expenses. Communications Director Michael Connolly emphasized that the county is committed to providing a safe and humane facility, despite growing costs.
The council’s financial strategies have prompted some residents to demand immediate action, with Selma, a local resident, urging a freeze on the proposed millage rate. “We’re being crushed by the cost of simply existing,” she stated, highlighting the ongoing financial struggles faced by many families in the community.
As the council prepares for the upcoming budget discussions, the debate around the proposed tax increase is intensifying. Residents are adamant that their voices must be heard and are calling for alternatives to continuous tax hikes. The urgency of the situation is palpable, as many citizens await the council’s decisions that will directly impact their financial future.
The upcoming council meetings on December 3 and December 10 will be critical as Delaware County navigates these pressing financial challenges. Residents are encouraged to remain engaged and advocate for responsible fiscal policies that prioritize community well-being over increased taxation.
