The Delaware County Commissioners today voted to enact a 0.5-mill property-tax rollback for one year that will provide nearly $5 million in tax relief to property owners in the county.
Commissioner Barb Lewis, president of this year’s Board, said: “For several months, we have been concerned about inflation’s growing impacts on Delaware County. I’ve spoken with our business and community leaders, other officeholders, property owners, farmers, fixed-income residents and retail consumers — including many of our least financially advantaged citizens. The property tax rollback will provide relief to the greatest numbers of taxpayers in Delaware County and I am 100% in support.”
Added Commissioner Gary Merrell: “This rollback is part of our effort to mitigate some of the inflationary burden we are all facing. A rollback of property taxes ensures aid for all property owners in our county, and it is our hope that all residents — directly or indirectly — will benefit from this reduction.”
The property-tax rate available for current expenses of the county is 2.8 mills and Delaware County is currently collecting 1.8 mills for current expenses. Today’s resolution reduces the millage collected to 1.3 mills for one year and provides $4,797,620 in tax relief for Delaware County property owners.
The Commissioners also approved a measure that will enable the county to use revenues from an already-existing 0.5% sales tax as a pledge toward any future borrowing for capital projects. The original tax, approved in 1971 as an emergency measure, did not allow them to do so.
“The property-tax rollback is possible because of Delaware County’s strong financial management and outstanding financial position,” noted Commissioner Jeff Benton. “But it’s also important to note that the restructuring of the sales tax, which has no increase, will make the County’s financial position even stronger.”
County Auditor George Kaitsa also expressed his support for the Commissioners’ actions, noting that they will “further strengthen the County’s financial position and triple-A credit ratings.” Delaware County is one of fewer than 100 counties out of 3,143 counties in the U.S. to hold the highest possible credit ratings from two major credit-rating agencies.