Georgetown, Del., May 20, 2025: Like markets, the mercury, and moods, Sussex County’s proposed budget for the year ahead is a case study in ups and downs.

Propped up by increased assessed property values, but drafted with a lowered tax rate, County officials on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, unveiled the proposed $285.1 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026, to fund a variety of local services, including 911 dispatchers, paramedics, and other public safety, as well as pay for sewer expansions, and continued open space preservation, all important services and demands as southern Delaware continues to grow.

While the overall budget is up nearly $20 million, or 7.3 percent, over the current year, fueled largely by capital expenses for public wastewater improvements, the general fund portion of the budget that pays for day-to-day operations is rising just $4 million, or 4.4 percent.

Yet the most significant change in the proposed budget – the first following the recently completed court-ordered property reassessment – is a new tax rate, which was last altered in 1989. The new rate, proposed for 2.14 cents per $100 of assessed value, will drop from 44.5 cents per $100 of assessed value. While overall property tax revenue will rise because of new construction in the past year, the new rate is markedly lower than the current rate, and keeps the County’s collection in property taxes ‘revenue neutral.’

“There’s a lot to take in with this year’s budget, but the bottom line is Sussex County continues to deliver the best services at the best possible value,” said County Administrator Todd F. Lawson, who presented to County Council the proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. “Through all the change, that’s the one constant our constituents can count on.”

Among the highlights in the proposed FY2026 budget, the proposal includes:

• $76.7 million for wastewater infrastructure, including expansion of two treatment plants, new service areas, increased capacity, and other upgrades to the County utility systems;
• $7.4 million to acquire open space and farmland, preserving it for the future;
• Increased funding, from $4.6 million to $5.8 million, for the County’s contract with the State of Delaware for 25 supplemental state police troopers assigned to Sussex County;
• $2.4 million for the design, planning, and construction of paramedic stations in the Dewey Beach, Lincoln, and Milton areas;
• $6 million for local fire companies and ambulance squads to help with operational costs, including paid EMT salaries;
• Increased funding, from $920,000 to $1 million, for municipalities providing local law enforcement services;
• $1.25 million for affordable housing initiatives, including rehabilitation for low-income households, as well as homebuying settlement assistance;
• A number of fee increases are proposed, including $12 annually for sewer and $33 annually for unmetered water on public utility systems, as well as new and adjusted fees for the Sheriff’s, Geographic Information, and Engineering offices.

Revenue for County government comes through a variety of sources, including property taxes, realty transfer taxes, building permits, and other service fees.

Council President Doug Hudson praised the budget team, including Mr. Lawson, Finance Director Gina A. Jennings, Deputy Finance Director Kathy L. Roth, and Manager of Accounting Andrea Wall for developing the balanced plan. “That’s no easy feat, trying to satisfy a lot of competing interests, but this team always seems to pull it off,” President Hudson said. “It’s not magic. Just good teamwork and expertise. We appreciate it, and I know the taxpayers do, too.”

County Council will hold a public hearing on the proposal during its 10 a.m. meeting Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in council chambers at the County Administrative Offices building, 2 The Circle, in Georgetown. The public can comment on that date, or submit comments through the web at budget@sussexcountyde.gov. By law, Council must adopt a budget by June 30.

To view a copy of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget, as well as the accompanying budget presentation, visit www.sussexcountyde.gov/county-budget.

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