Sussex County officials unveiled their $177 million budget proposal for the upcoming year.
No property tax increase is planned, but water and sewer fees will go up about $6 annually. The plan also calls for using cash reserves to fund investment in county services.
More than $40 million is slated for sewer improvements, including the county’s portion of the Rehoboth Beach Outfall project.
The proposed budget also seeks to increase funding to the county’s contract with State Police by $200,000 to assign 22 additional troopers to Sussex.
$1.2 million is allocated to increasing broadband internet in rural areas, and another million would go to preserving open space farmland.
$2.4 million is planned for roads and infrastructure, and funds for community development housing would rise from $175,000 to $250,000 dollars.
Sussex County Council President Michael Vincent said in a statement, "The public expects and deserves the best services for the best value. I believe this budget will satisfy both."
The county will hold a public hearing on its budget next month. County Council needs to approve a 2019 budget by June 30th.