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Sussex County Council approves 2020 budget

Milton Pratt
/
Delaware Public Media

Sussex County Council voted to not raise taxes in next year’s budget, but will use some reserve funds to increase spending.

Council unanimously approved a nearly $186 million budget for fiscal year 2020 Tuesday. That’s up about $8 million from last year.

 

Property tax rates, building permit fees, and wastewater service rates will remain the same. But some fees will increase slightly. They include fees for Register of Wills and private road plan review and inspection - as well as sewer assessment rates in some beach areas

 

The budget sets aside $1 million for a new public safety complex and adds funding for state troopers and local law enforcement. The county is also spending an extra $1 million on farmland preservation and $2 million on expanding broadband service.

 

$35 million is being allocated for various sewer improvements and expansion projects.

 

“The public depends on this budget to meet their everyday needs, whether they know it or not. It pays for police, paramedics, 911 operators, wastewater technicians, and other public servants who work to ensure the public’s health and safety every day,” said Council President Michael Vincent in a statement. “I’m proud that, through a lot of hard work from many people, including our financial team, the County is able to honor that responsibility in an efficient and cost-effective way.”

 

Fiscal year 2020 begins July 1st.

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