Federal dollars will allow more spending this upcoming year in Sussex County.
County Council approved its FY 2022 budget Tuesday.
Officials say the $278 million plan is the most significant in Sussex County history. This year’s budget was a little more than $177 million, largely diminished by concerns related to COVID lockdowns.
The roughly $100 million increase is largely the result of federal funding from the American Rescue Plan passed in March.
The county’s budget includes slight changes to utility rates—$4 annually for sewer and $15 for water. Property taxes will stay the same.
In a statement, County Administrator Todd Lawson said Sussex is in “a very strong financial position,” calling the budget “both appropriate and affordable.”
The plan’s capital expenses include more than $72 million for wastewater infrastructure and utility upgrades, just over $6 million for construction of a public safety complex and another $2 million for continued broadband internet expansion.
$3.7 million will renew the county’s contract with the state, keeping an extra 22 state troopers assigned to Sussex.
Sussex County must adopt a balanced budget by June 30th of each year.