UPDATE: Delaware County residents are expressing significant opposition to a proposed 19% property tax increase that could further strain household budgets just as the county prepares for its first reading of the 2026 budget on December 3. At a heated County Council meeting, concerns were raised about the financial burden this increase would impose, especially following a 23% tax hike enacted last year.
Residents voiced their frustrations as County Executive Director Barbara O’Malley outlined the rationale behind the proposed increase, citing ongoing fiscal challenges, including a structural deficit and rising operational costs such as contributions to SEPTA. The proposed tax increase, estimated to add nearly $188 to the average current bill of $988.03, has many questioning the council’s financial management.
As Cynthia Sabatini from Upper Providence pointed out, the economic strain on families is palpable. “It’s obvious that people are hurting financially in Delaware County,” she stated, highlighting the struggle residents face when deciding between essential needs like food and medicine versus tax payments.
The council’s past decisions have already raised eyebrows. Just a year ago, the average property owner saw their tax bill rise by $184.69 following the previous hike. Critics, including Michael Straw from Media, are demanding transparency and fiscal responsibility. “We’ve seen our County Council raise salaries and create new departments while our tax bills continue to climb,” he remarked.
Sabatini and others have drawn attention to the substantial costs associated with the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, where operational expenses are projected to reach $61 million in the 2026 budget, despite a drop in the inmate population. “Why is there an inverse relationship between costs and prison population?” Sabatini asked, questioning the county’s financial priorities.
As tensions rise, Delaware County Communications Director Michael Connolly argued that the proposed budget reflects necessary investments for community safety and well-being. He emphasized that the county is committed to creating a facility that is “safe and humane” for its residents.
County residents voiced their concerns, with one individual declaring, “We’re being crushed by the cost of simply existing.” This sentiment resonated among many attendees, who are calling for a freeze on the proposed tax increase and urging the council to consider alternatives to financial distress.
The council is set to adopt the final budget by December 10, and residents are urged to participate in upcoming meetings to voice their opinions. As this situation develops, the urgency for accountability and transparency in Delaware County’s financial management has never been more critical.
Stay tuned for updates as the council prepares for its next meeting and the public continues to rally against the proposed tax increase.
