Delaware County, PA– At the public hearing, community members called on elected officials to explore alternative methods for boosting the county’s finances and preventing fiscal challenges.
Kim Rankin from Newtown Township expressed that the current cost of living makes any increase in taxes difficult to manage. She urged the council to reflect on the impact an increase would have on lower middle-class families like hers.
Nicholas Gualberti from Springfield Township acknowledged that taxes are an unavoidable burden, yet he questioned whether a middle ground could be found to ease the financial strain on working-class residents in Delco, particularly younger individuals struggling to afford homes.
Michael Straw from Media called on elected officials to reduce the budget.
Individuals expressed their frustrations, seeking clarity from council members and criticizing the lack of openness in the process.
In 2019, Democrats gained majority control of the Delaware County Council, marking a significant change since the Civil War. The recent majority led the formation of the county health department, the transition of the George W. Hill Correctional Facility from private to public, and the launch of several new programs and initiatives.
Delco was once the biggest county in the nation lacking its own health department. A participant in the meeting took the opportunity to commend the council’s governing style, highlighting its contrast to previous GOP administrations.
Mike Hoppus from Upper Providence expressed his support for the council and the various programs proposed and implemented in recent years. “You’ve been quite open.” The individuals who are voicing their concerns about these taxes were absent during the discussions regarding the health department. They likely missed your discussion about green space. They likely missed your discussion on the necessity of a public prison.
However, numerous critics condemned the alterations as a representation of excessive spending and poor management. Many viewed the tax increase as a wider criticism of the party’s recent leadership.
Marc Luca, the president of Aqua Pennsylvania, expressed during public comment that Delaware County should rethink the company’s proposal to acquire the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority (DELCORA).
In 2019, the wastewater authority, led by the GOP, began efforts to sell the system to Aqua, coinciding with the year Democrats sought to gain control of the County Council. The parties reached a $276.5 million deal.
The newly formed council majority quickly took action to halt the sale.
Madden quickly dismissed the proposal, calling it a “devil’s bargain.” Reuther opposed the notion of Aqua managing the wastewater system. As a customer of Aqua, she noted that her water bill has increased by 400%.
The county will set up a budget commission for the upcoming year, according to Taylor. Delco is working on a program to defer real estate taxes and another to provide tax rebates for first responders, according to Taylor.