Delaware Co. Council approves budget with nearly 24% property tax hike

DELAWARE COUNTY, Pa. (WPVI) -- The Delaware County Council approved a budget on Wednesday that includes a nearly 24% property tax hike.

Homeowners already shell out the highest property tax rate in the state at 2.05%

But with dried-up federal COVID-19 funds, members say the tax increase would help them avoid cutting government services.

"We were able to weather the storm of the inflation because of one-time dollars, and at this point, those dollars are running out," said Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor.

Michael Straw, who heads up the Media Republican Committee, says, "When you're looking at a structural deficit, that is growing every single day. It's important to cut certain parts of it so that way we cannot see a 23% tax increase. We need to be able to meet in the middle."

On average, homeowners in the county would see an increase of under $200.

"I think the Democrats on council have done a really good job of investing in this county and you can't do that without revenue," said Caryl Carpenter of Lansdowne.

"Point blank, period 23.8% is unfeasible and unattainable," added another resident, Selma Besirevic.

County Council is working on providing a tax rebate for first responders and a tax deferral for low-income residents who would feel the pinch of this county property tax increase.

The council plans to use the higher tax revenue to pay for deferred maintenance and modernizing technology for residents.