The Delaware County Board of Commissioners today approved its general-fund budget for 2026. The $163,467,461 figure approved is an 8.1% increase over the 2025 budget of $151,191,135 for operating and capital expenditures.

“In Delaware County, we are both fortunate and challenged to keep pace with the population growth we still experience,” said Commissioner Barb Lewis, president of this year’s Board of Commissioners. “Our 2026 budget reflects our commitment to managing that growth proactively, while respecting the resources that our constituents and taxpayers provide us.”

Among the factors impacting the 2026 budget were:

  • Increased staffing in the Clerk of Courts
  • Increased staffing for the Emergency Medical Services Department, which is opening a new station in Berkshire Township
  • An increase of $1,126,284 or 53.0% for increased support services within the Veterans Service Commission
  • An increase of $2,162,774 or 8.5% in investments for roadway and bridge improvements throughout the County
  • An increase of $3,264,245 or 8.1% to the Sheriff’s Office budget

Commissioner Jeff Benton said: “Investing in public safety, infrastructure and our community of veterans is important to us and our residents. This budget allows us to do that, while also continuing to provide tax relief in the form of 1.5 mills of property-tax rollbacks.”

Added Commissioner Gary Merrell: “We are fortunate to be among the communities in Ohio that are still growing, but we have to be mindful that our revenue streams may not always keep pace with that growth. It is imperative that we continue to be fiscally responsible with our resources to ensure we continue to grow, while maintaining the multiple AAA bond ratings we hold.”

The following chart shows what the approved budget for each elected official’s office was for 2025, the amount approved for 2026, and the percentage change from 2025. Also included are figures from three agencies that are directed by separately appointed boards.

 

   2025 approved budget  2026 approved budget % change from 2025 budget
Auditor  $    2,261,633  $    2,472,803 9.3%
Commissioners  $ 49,482,208  $ 51,371,520 3.8%
Clerk of Courts  $    1,446,602  $    1,701,498 17.6%
Common Pleas (General)  $    3,523,323  $    4,004,935 13.7%
Coroner  $       732,380  $       751,725 2.6%
Court of Appeals  $         50,000  $         50,000 0.0%
Domestic Relations  $     2,903,993  $     3,163,553 8.9%
Engineer  $  29,003,034  $  32,314,396  11.4%
Juvenile/Probate  $     5,834,407  $     6,448,092 10.5%
Municipal Court  $        591,980  $        611,088 3.2%
Prosecutor  $     4,323,099  $     4,803,445 11.1%
Recorder  $       573,100  $       615,592   7.4%
Sheriff  $    40,115,537  $    43,379,782  8.1%
Treasurer  $     1,201,650  $     1,271,864 5.8%
Board of Elections  $   4,593,742  $    4,682,033 1.9%
Public Defender  $     2,430,231  $     2,574,635 5.9%
Veterans Service  $     2,124,216  $     3,250,500 53.0%