The good news is there’s no tax increase in Delaware County’s $353 million 2022 budget.

But you won’t get a reduction, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.

There was a lengthy discussion over what to do with $100 million sitting in reserves, but given several large upcoming projects, it was decided to hold that money back.

The Delaware County Council vote was 3-2 to pass the budget with no tax increase, but without the 10 percent reduction.

Councilman Kevin Madden said the surplus is closer to $200 million when American Rescue Plan Act funds and a projected 2021 surplus are combined.

“It’s not our money to hold onto,” Madden said. “It is the taxpayers’ dollar. We have to be good fiduciaries to the taxpayer when we think of what we’re doing with it.”

The average county tax bill in 2021 was $305.

The county is looking at several big-ticket items coming up, including the new health department, de-privatization of the county jail, as well as IT and facility upgrades.

“I do not think we are in a position this year to forgo revenue that we may need,” countered  Councilwoman Elaine Paul Schaefer.

Read more at the Daily Times about Delaware County’s 2022 budget.