The Delaware County Board of Commissioners today approved its general-fund budget for 2022. The $128,805,682 figure approved is a 7.98% increase from the $119,285,957 in operating and capital expenditures that were budgeted for in 2021. The 2022 budget also matches a revenue projection of $128,805,682 for the county.

The previous budget had been a 0.1% reduction in projected spending. The Commissioners continue to assume that population and economic growth will continue for the county, which remains the fastest-growing county in the state. But with many unknowns still impacting the future of the economy, they are choosing to plot a more cautious path forward with spending.

“The goal of this budget — and frankly of each year’s budget — is to plan for the county’s growth and to do it in a fiscally responsible manner,” said Commissioner Gary Merrell, president of this year’s Board of Commissioners. “This year’s budget is no exception. The credit goes to our fellow elected officials and their willingness to work for the best interests of our county residents and taxpayers. Together, we are successfully managing Delaware County’s growth.”

Among the factors impacting the 2022 budget were:

  • An 8.7% increase in the cost of health insurance.
  • A 4% increase in non-unionized employees’ salaries: These employees had accepted a 2% increase for 2021 when the fiscal impact of the Covid-19 pandemic was not yet known. Ordinarily, these employees receive a 3% increase.
  • A return to more normal spending for training and work-related travel.

“Covid-19 has played a significant role in our planning and spending during the last 18 months,” said Commissioner Barb Lewis. “While we hope we are past the worst of it, we still must be prudent about what the future holds. I salute all of our offices and departments that recognize this.”

“The 2022 budget has been especially challenging due to rising inflation, staffing challenges and supply-chain concerns,” said Commissioner Jeff Benton. “I think this budget addresses those issues, ensuring that we’ll continue to provide excellent services to our residents and businesses while still investing significantly in the county’s growth needs, including roads, sewers, facilities and other infrastructure.”

The following chart shows what each elected official’s office budgeted for in 2021, what their request was for the 2022 (along with the percentage change from 2021), and then the amount approved in Monday’s decision (along with the percentage change from 2021). Also included are figures from three agencies that are directed by separately appointed boards. This chart does not include $654,981 in budget monies approved for the County Home, the Fifth District Court of Appeals satellite office and the Delaware Municipal Court.

 

  2021 budget 2022 budget request % change from 2021 budget 2022 approved budget % change from 2021 budget
Auditor $1,509,940 $1,794,588 18.9% $1,794,588 18.9%
Commissioners $48,089,097 $53,109,872 10.4% $47,358,915 -1.5%
Clerk of Courts $1,248,991 $1,334,096 6.8% $1,334,096 6.8%
Common Pleas $2,871,807 $3,015,700 5.0% $3,015,700 5.0%
Coroner $529,426 $567,166 7.1% $567,166 7.1%
Domestic Relations $1,742,932 $1,852,032 6.3% $1,852,032 6.3%
Engineer $24,994,634 $25,153,500 0.6% $25,153,500 0.6%
Juvenile/Probate $4,975,355 $5,303,773 6.6% $5,303,773 6.6%
Prosecutor $2,782,016 $3,116,514 12.0% $3,116,514 12.0%
Recorder $510,483 $687,590 34.7% $687,590 34.7%
Sheriff $28,745,723 $31,387,429 9.2% $30,574,521 6.4%
Treasurer $439,444 $1,134,910 158.3% $880,000 100.3%
           
Board of Elections $3,091,714 $3,353,855 8.5% $3,353,855 8.5%
Public Defender $1,638,350 $1,946,651 18.8% $1,946,651 18.8%
Veterans Services $887,950 $1,211,800 36.5% $1,211,800 36.5%