Delaware County Council is pleased to inform residents that there will be no tax hike for 2017, as the county holds the line on spending for the third consecutive year while maintaining crucial services.

On Tuesday, Nov. 2, as required under the Delaware County Home Rule Charter, Executive Director Marianne Grace delivered the proposed $351 million budget to County Council, calling for the millage rate to remain at 5.604 in 2017.

She also anticipates that Delaware County’s two percent of the Local Gaming Share from Harrah’s in Chester will remain in place for 2017. If so, the county would receive $8.4 million next year, despite a ruling in September from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that found the local municipal tax on casinos unconstitutional.

“Every elected official will tell you that formulating a budget for government services is a difficult task,” said Council Chairman Mario J. Civera Jr. “We’ve seen tremendous changes at both the state and federal levels when it comes to budgets. Here at the county level, we are fortunate that we are finalizing a budget that both addresses the needs of our residents and protects the interests of our taxpayers.

“Like every county in the Commonwealth, Delaware County faces challenges. But we fully recognize the financial pressures that our residents face. And we are committed to serving all residents, particularly the elderly, those with disabilities, returning servicemen and women, and others who need assistance to maintain their quality of life.”

The county’s Home Rule Charter spells out the timing and process of formulating the budget each year. A public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 7 at 6 PM in the County Council public meeting room at the Government Center.

“A great deal of effort is put forth to ensure that the lowest responsible budget is presented,” said Civera. “Based on preliminary figures, prepared by the executive director with the budget director, we are happy to announce that there will be no tax hike for 2017.”

In her letter to Council, Grace said the county is on solid financial footing, and she cited several key aspects of the budget.

She said County Council is diligent in management of the County Employees’ Retirement System (pension fund), and “we are pleased to report that as of Jan. 1, 2016, the pension fund was funded at 100 percent.”

Delaware County has also maintained its excellent bond ratings with Standard and Poor’s Rating Service at AA and Moody’s Investors Service at Aa1.

“This is really good news for economic development, and for businesses who are looking to locate or expand in Delaware County,” Civera said.

Grace said the two main cost-drivers in the budget continue to be Fair Acres, the county’s skilled care facility that is home to 800 people, and 911 services that are crucial to public safety.

Civera, who is Council’s liaison to the Department of Emergency Services, said the passage of Act 12 in June of 2015 allowed the county to budget an additional $1 million in 911 revenues for 2017. Council has also worked with state and federal representatives to access additional funds for Fair Acres over the past three years.

Grace said a steady increase in court filings continues to place pressure on the case management processes in the Court of Common Pleas affecting the Office of Judicial Support, Sheriff, Public Defender, and District Attorney.

“Despite the high volume of case filings, we have been able to work with the Court to decrease its overall 2017 budget request by approximately $1.3 million,” Grace said.

She said that the savings reflect a significant effort in Juvenile Court to utilize alternative services for juveniles designed to rehabilitate them while keeping them at home.

She also cited the County Employee Wellness Program that assists employees in achieving healthy lifestyles, which also helps reduce healthcare costs.

“Council and the Executive Director work with all department heads to hold the line on staffing and operational expenses wherever possible,” Civera said. “In addition, the county anticipates an increase in certain departmental revenues due to diligence in collecting fees, court costs, and fines. We will continue to be mindful of our spending, to tighten our belts like people do in their homes, and be good stewards of our residents’ tax dollars.”