While Gov. Wolf was playing political games with the Pennsylvania budget, Delaware County Council, this afternoon, Oct. 7 passed theirs and without a tax hike. 
It was the second straight year it has done so.
The county is controlled by people with the philosophy that while government is necessary those who pay for it are not bottomless pits of money.
“In recent years, the state and federal budget cycle is filled with talk of programs cuts, austerity, tax hikes and hiring freezes. We are pleased that at the county level we are finalizing a budget that both addresses the needs of our residents and protects the interests of our taxpayers,” said County Vice Chairman Colleen Morrone.
Delaware County’s Home Rule Charter spells out the timing and process of formulating the budget each year. The executive director is expected to deliver a proposed budget to County Council on Nov. 2. A public hearing is scheduled for the first week in December.
“This is really good news for Delaware County,” said Councilman John McBlain.
As the liaison for Emergency Management, McBlain said the county is committed to public safety. He said county officials have worked for months to convince state officials to restructure the funding process for 911 systems.
“With the passage of Act 12, which was signed into law this summer and went into effect on Aug. 1, we anticipate a restructuring of fees that will be returned to the county to fund our 911 service,” McBlain said.
Councilman Mike Culp said the county also anticipates an increase in Medicaid reimbursements for Fair Acres, the county’s skilled care facility that is home to 900 residents who are elderly or fragile.
“We feel strongly about maintaining the quality of services that help vulnerable populations maintain their quality of life,” Culp said. “That includes Fair Acres, Children and Youth Services and all of our Human Services.”
Culp explained that Council worked with elected leaders at the state and federal level to secure Medicaid reimbursements that will ensure the quality of care at Fair Acres without the county incurring a large deficit.