Delco residents voice concerns over proposed 19% property tax increase

Delaware County residents spoke out strongly on Monday against a proposed 19% property tax increase the county is considering for its 2026 budget.

The latest proposal, which the Delaware County Council will vote on on Wednesday, Dec. 10, comes after the county raised property taxes by 23% for 2025.

“I would hope that they would take the economy, what’s going on Washington, people are hurting,” said Glen Griffin, a frustrated Delco resident. “They are going through food situations, housing situations.”

Despite multiple cuts, county officials say one more year of a larger property tax increase is necessary to stay afloat.

They cite a current financial deficit, the depletion of federal COVID relief funds and inflation as key factors.

As part of the pitch, county officials are trying to ease fears by telling residents not to expect another increase like the one proposed in the near future once its passed.

“The whole point is getting this done,” said Michael Connolly, the director of communications for Delaware County. “We don’t have anymore time to get it done. We have to do it this year.”

The 19% increase applies only to the county portion of residents’ tax bills, which is about $16 more per month for the average property in Delaware County.

Still, many residents worry about making ends meet.

“We are retired,” said Karen McGuigon, a Delco resident. “I mean, our income isn’t going up that much so it’s getting worse and worse.”