Commissioners approve leaner budget for 2025

The Delaware County Board of Commissioners today approved its general-fund budget for 2025. The $151,191,135 figure approved is a 5.1% increase over the 2024 budget of $143,814,358 for operating and capital expenditures.

The County is projecting revenues of $151,191,135 in 2025, an increase of 5.1% from $143,814,358 projected for revenues in 2024. Through Oct. 31, the County’s actual revenues have been $133,865,049.

The 2025 budget reflects general economic conditions that have seen a slowing of sales-tax revenues in the current year.  Through November 25, 2024, the County’s actual sales-tax revenues are trending 0.4% below the current year predictions and are expected to remain at this level.

“Just as our residents and business owners do, we have to adjust our expectations and spending to reflect reality,” said Commissioner Gary Merrell. “While our revenue streams are growing modestly, they are not growing at the pace we are accustomed to. Our fellow County elected officials, aware of their responsibilities, worked with us in order to get to a balanced budget.”

Other factors impacting the 2024 budget were:

• Increased staffing in the Domestic Relations Court, the Public Defender’s Office and the Board of Elections.
• An increase of $1,166,550 or 4.2% in investments for roadway and bridge improvements throughout the County.
• An increase of $2,654,223 or 7.1% in support of the Sheriff’s Office mission to protect the people, their properties and their rights in Delaware County.

Commissioner Barb Lewis said: “I am very proud of our County’s accomplishments over the past year. Whether it was the addition of a new, much needed building for our Sheriff or becoming the first county in Ohio to hold four triple-A bond ratings at the same time, we are serving our constituents well with the resources we have. And, even though we have just approved a leaner budget for 2025, I am certain that we will be able to maintain the same high level of quality for the many important services we provide our residents and business owners.”

Added Commissioner Jeff Benton: “We very much intend to continue our strategic investments and to maintain our financial strength despite the slowed revenue growth. Our commitment to our roads and bridges, economic development initiatives, and to critical services like law enforcement and public safety remains undiminished and I am confident we will navigate these challenges successfully.”

The following chart shows what the approved budget for each elected official’s office was for 2024, the amount approved for 2025, and the percentage change from 2024. Also included are figures from three agencies that are directed by separately appointed boards.