It’s the first county tax increase in a decade, but it has to be done, said Delaware County officials this week.

The proposed $428 million 2024 county budget calls for a 5 percent increase in real estate taxes, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.

“Look, nine straight years without increasing revenue is a heck of a run,” County Councilman Kevin Madden said.

Costs go up. Revenue stays flat.

“At the end of the day, this is something that has to occur,” to be responsible stewards of the county and how it’s run, Madden said.

The increase, if it stays in the proposed budget, would equal a $38.19 increase on a property with an average county assessment of $254,683. That gives that property a total county real estate tax of $801.98.

A final budget is expected to be voted on by Delaware County Council on Dec. 13.

Cost challenges influencing the increase include a competitive job market, the de-privatization of the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, the need to renovate county buildings and infrastructure, the need to acquire property to house county departments, and saving open space, said Delaware County Chief Administrative Officer Marc Wooley.

Find out more details about the proposed Delaware County tax increase in the Daily Times.