Delaware County Council members shared different views on the proposed county operating budget with a 19% tax increase with one saying it could have been less and others saying it ensures government will continue to work.

Delaware County Executive Director Barbara O’Malley presented the proposed 2026 county $340 million operating budget Wednesday. Noting it does include a double-digit increase, she also highlighted that it does not rely on the county fund balance, setting the stage for the potential for no tax increases in the future.

Council Member Elaine Schaefer said she would not be supporting this budget as presented.

“I feel very strongly that after the large increase that we had last year, that … an increase is totally necessary but I feel like there were changes that we could ha

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