Sussex County unveiled its 2017 budget plan Tuesday.
The overall proposed spending plan is down 3.1 percent or $3.8 million from the current year. That’s largely due to a drop sewer construction in the coming year.
There is a 2.8 percent increase in General Fund spending. The majority of that additional $1.5 million will go toward hiring 5 new public safety positions, including 2 new paramedics and 2 additional 911 dispatchers.
But County Administrator Todd Lawson says residents will not have to open their wallets to pay for those new jobs.
“I can announce to you that the county will not change its property tax rate or General Fund fees. For another year, there will be no increases in county taxes," said Lawson. "In addition, we will have no increase in water and sewer charges”
There’s also good news for county employees. Lawson says they’ll receive a one percent cost of living raise - and their health benefits remain intact.
“We are not recommending any changes in the cost past on to our employees, which I think is a wonderful decision considering how other municipalities are having to deal with the increase in health care costs and many of them are being passed on to their employees," said Lawson.
The realty transfer tax remains the main source of Sussex County funds, contributing 35 percent of total general fund revenue. This year, that’s expected to be $19 million.
Sussex County Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed spending plan June 21. By law, it must adopt a budget by June 30.
