Delco Council increases taxes yet again
By Bob Small
A real headline would be taxes going down but we’re dealing with the Delco County Council, all of whom happen to be Dems, so let’s be real. You do need tax revenues for certain essential services and we’ll get to that further down.
Council Member Elaine Schaefer pointed to “nine consecutive years of no tax increase” as a justification, but also said she would not support the budget as presented (my ital). Council member Kevin Madden spoke of expenses in personnel, especially the corrections sphere. Council Member Christine Reuther spoke of the priority of the fund balance. This amount was $3 million when Dems gained the majority on Council. They expect the fund balance aka “emergency fund” to be $16 million in 2026. Yet last year, there was a 23% tax increase and now 19% for a total of 42% in two years! I was an English Major, so I leave it to someone else to explain this needed increase when we have a $16 million fund balance.
Christine Reuther explained “While I do not like the idea of another big tax increase, I like less the idea of not having enough cash to pay our bills.”
This is another explanation that makes sense not. By the way, according to this article, a house appraised at $225,000 would see an increase of $188.
Considering many of us are on a “fixed income” (which should be called a “broken income” because it won’t increase!) this means we have to reduce expenses somewhere else.
According to local Realtor Robin Gordon: “It’s problematic for buyers or sellers.” This hurts the area real estate market.”
The Donkeys in the room are the five-year old Delco Health Department which didn’t see the closing of Crozier Chester coming but does see violations in most restaurants they visit along with the Delaware County Human Relations Commission established this fall.
There are probably other Donkeys I’m missing.
See also Delaware County Looks to Up Taxes Again by 19 Percent
Wally Nunn: Delaware County Council encourages …
The next County Council meeting is tonight, Dec 10.
Lastly, does Delco have a severe lack of protest imagination Breakdancing New Jersey man derails town
Sasquatch and her coven Can’t Understand Normal Thinking.