Sussex County proposes $300 million budget for Fiscal 2027

Georgetown, Del., May 19, 2026: Sussex County is borrowing on the concept of 'something old, something new' in its budget plan for the fiscal year ahead.

County officials on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, unveiled the proposed $300 million budget for Fiscal Year 2027, to fund a variety of local services, including public safety, sewer expansions, and continued open space preservation. But the plan takes on new, unprecedented roles and challenges for the County government, including the creation of a first-ever building permit surcharge for the independent public school districts, as well as a centralized billing and ambulance purchase cost share program for local fire and EMS companies, important milestones as southern Delaware - and the demand for services - grows.

While the overall budget is up nearly $15 million, or 5.2 percent, over the current year, fueled largely by capital expenses for public wastewater improvements, the general fund portion of the budget that pays for day-to-day operations is rising just $4 million, or 3.6 percent. The County's property tax rate, meanwhile, of 2.14 cents per $100 of assessed value - set last year following the court-ordered reassessment project - remains unchanged.

"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."

Among the highlights in the proposed FY2027 budget, the proposal includes:

• $74.6 million for wastewater infrastructure, including expansion of two treatment plants, new service areas, increased capacity, and other upgrades to the County utility systems;
• $7.6 million for local fire and ambulance companies to help with operational costs, including EMT salaries, as well as an additional $1.6 million for a centralized ambulance billing and unit purchase cost-share plan to aid basic life support (BLS) services;
• $7.4 million to acquire open space and farmland, preserving it for the future;
• Up to $7 million, depending on market activity, in new funding as a result of a new $5 per $1,000 construction value surcharge on most building permits that will be directed to local school districts for capacity-related capital needs;
• Increased funding, from $5.8 million to $6.1 million, for the County's contract with the State of Delaware for supplemental state police troopers assigned to Sussex County;
• $3.4 million for new paramedic stations in the Dewey Beach, Lincoln, and Milton areas;
• $1.25 million for affordable housing initiatives, including rehabilitation for low-income households, as well as homebuying settlement assistance;
• $1 million for municipalities providing local law enforcement services;
• A number of fee increases are proposed, including $36 annually for sewer and $90 annually for unmetered water on public utility systems, as well as new and adjusted fees for the Geographic Information, Engineering, and Planning & Zoning offices.

Revenue for County government comes through a variety of sources, including property taxes, realty transfer taxes, building permits, and other 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.

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