SUSSEX COUNTY, Del.- Sussex County Council has approved a $285.1 million budget for fiscal 2026.
The budget, adopted Tuesday after a public hearing, takes effect July 1. The property tax rate will drop from 44.5 cents to 2.14 cents per $100 of assessed value, following a court-ordered property reassessment. Officials say the change keeps the county’s property tax collections about the same as last year.
“This is a historic budget in that sense, but it remains true to what has been a familiar theme throughout the years in Sussex County — providing the highest quality services at the best possible value,” County Administrator Todd Lawson said.
The overall budget is about 7% larger than the current year’s, driven mainly by infrastructure projects. The county plans to spend nearly $77 million on wastewater improvements, including plant expansions, new service areas, and increased capacity.
Other highlights include:
$7.4 million to preserve open space and farmland.
$6 million to support local fire companies and ambulance squads.
$5.8 million for supplemental Delaware State Police coverage.
$1.25 million for affordable housing efforts.
$2.4 million for new paramedic stations in Dewey Beach, Lincoln, and Milton.
The budget is funded through property taxes, realty transfer taxes, service fees, and other charges. Some fees, including those for sewer and water services, will increase.
Council President Doug Hudson said the budget reflects the council’s priority to balance growing demands with fiscal responsibility. Copies of the full budget are available at here.