Georgetown, Del., May 19, 2026: Sussex County officials are blending traditional priorities with innovative approaches in their financial blueprint for the upcoming fiscal year.
On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, county leadership presented a proposed $300 million spending plan for Fiscal Year 2027, designed to support various local programs including public safety, wastewater system expansion, and ongoing open space conservation efforts. The proposal introduces groundbreaking initiatives for county government, featuring the establishment of a building permit fee for independent public school districts and a coordinated billing system with ambulance purchase cost-sharing for local fire and emergency medical service organizations—significant developments as southern Delaware experiences growth and increasing service demands.
Although the total budget represents an increase of approximately $15 million, or 5.2 percent, compared to the current year—driven primarily by capital expenditures for public wastewater enhancements—the general fund segment covering daily operations is growing by only $4 million, or 3.6 percent. The county’s property tax rate of 2.14 cents per $100 of assessed value, established last year after the court-mandated reassessment project, will stay the same.
“This budget is forward looking to a future that presents new challenges for County government, but it continues the past traditions of limited government, disciplined spending, and delivering critical local public services for the best value possible,” said County Administrator Todd F. Lawson, who presented to County Council the proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. “Times and demands may change, but the need for sound financial planning remains.”
Key components of the proposed FY2027 budget include:
- $74.6 million allocated for wastewater infrastructure, encompassing treatment plant expansions, new service territories, enhanced capacity, and additional improvements to county utility networks;
- $7.6 million designated for local fire and ambulance organizations to support operational expenses, including EMT wages, plus an extra $1.6 million for a coordinated ambulance billing and vehicle purchase cost-sharing program to assist basic life support (BLS) operations;
- $7.4 million earmarked to purchase open space and agricultural land for future preservation;
- As much as $7 million, based on construction activity, in new revenue generated by a proposed $5 per $1,000 construction value fee on most building permits, with proceeds allocated to local school districts for capacity-related infrastructure projects;
- Enhanced funding, rising from $5.8 million to $6.1 million, for the county’s agreement with the State of Delaware for additional state police troopers assigned to Sussex County;
- $3.4 million for new paramedic facilities in the Dewey Beach, Lincoln, and Milton regions;
- $1.25 million for affordable housing programs, including rehabilitation assistance for low-income families and homebuying settlement support;
- $1 million for municipalities that provide local law enforcement services;
- Several fee adjustments are recommended, including annual increases of $36 for sewer service and $90 for unmetered water on public utility systems, along with new and modified charges for the Geographic Information, Engineering, and Planning & Zoning departments.
County government funding comes from multiple sources, including property taxes, realty transfer taxes, building permits, and various service fees.
Council President Doug Hudson praised the budget team, including Mr. Lawson and Finance Director Gina A. Jennings, for developing the balanced plan. “Our constituents benefit thanks to the hard work of these folks, who keep the taxpayers top of mind every budget year,” President Hudson said.
County Council will hold a public hearing on the proposal during its 10 a.m. meeting Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in council chambers at the County Administrative Offices building, 2 The Circle, in Georgetown. The public can comment on that date, or submit comments through the web at [email protected]. By law, Council must adopt a budget by June 30.
To view a copy of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, as well as the accompanying budget presentation, visit www.sussexcountyde.gov/county-budget.
