A proposed 19 percent increase in the Delaware County property tax for 2026 is not winning any popularity contests, especially coming only a year after taxpayers were hit with a 23 percent tax rise.
Even those who proposed it don’t want it, writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.
If the tax rise goes through, it would mean an average monthly increase of $15.67, or an annual increase of $188.04 on a home valued at $225,000.
The county needs to decrease costs and raise revenue at the same time in order to shore up a structural deficit, according to county executive director Barbara O’Malley.
“While I do not like the idea of another big tax increase, I even like less the idea of finding ourselves without the cash we need to pay our bills,” said Councilmember Christine Reuther.
A budget task force met in 2025 to find ways to belt-tighten and raise revenue. Its recommendations were presented recently to the county council. Some have already been implemented, but not enough to forestall the tax increase.
Councilmember Elaine Paul Schaefer rejected the proposed budget and tax increase, believing changes were possible that could have made the increase smaller.
A public budget hearing takes place Dec. 8.
Read more details about the county’s spending at WHYY.
