Sussex County Adopts $300 million Budget

June 16, 2026

Sussex County Council yesterday (6/16) approved a $300 million budget for Fiscal Year 2027 that begins July 1.

The new budget keeps the county’s property tax rate unchanged.

The overall budget is up nearly $15 million, or 5.2%, over the current year. The increase was largely due to capital expenses for public wastewater improvements. The general fund portion of the budget that covers day-to-day operations increased by $4 million, or 3.6%.

The budget is supported by a mix of income streams, including property taxes, realty transfer taxes, sewer service fees, building permit fees, and document recording fees, as well as new and adjusted fees for the Geographic Information, Engineering, and Planning & Zoning offices.

Highlights of the FY2027 budget:

·     $74.6 million for wastewater infrastructure, including expansion of two treatment plants, new service areas, increased capacity, and other upgrades.

·     $7.6 million for local fire companies and ambulance squads to help with operational costs, including EMT salaries.

·     $7.4 million to purchase open space and farmland.

·     Up to $7 million from the new impact fee on developers to help pay for school construction needed to serve the new residents.

·     $6.1 million for supplemental state police coverage in Sussex County

·     $1.25 million for affordable housing initiatives.

·     $1 million for municipalities providing local law enforcement services.

·     $3.4 million for new paramedic stations serving Dewey Beach, Lincoln, and Milton.

Copies of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, as well as the accompanying budget presentation, can be downloaded from the county website at www.sussexcountyde.gov/county-budget