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The Delaware County Digest
Your source for the latest news from Delaware County | December 5, 2025
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Delaware County Executive Director Barbara O'Malley Introduces Council's 2026 Budget
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Delaware County Executive Director Barbara O’Malley presented Council’s proposed budget for 2026 in front of County Council on Wednesday night. O’Malley gave a detailed account of how the money will be spent, how the County has worked to contain costs, and the work that has been done to eliminate the existing structural deficit.
The budget totals $957.8 million and consists of the operating budget, capital budget, fiscal budget, and Fair Acres budget. O’Malley primarily discussed the operating budget, which is the only one funded by taxes collected by the county and amounts to $340.4 million.
“We do not have a deficit any longer,” said O’Malley. “With this budget, we will have the revenue we need to provide our residents with the services they deserve, support our employees in the way they deserve to be supported, and stabilize the future of Delaware County.”
Going into the process, the county knew they needed to address the structural deficit by increasing revenue, aligning county fees and employee benefits/salaries to peers, improving operational efficiency, and increasing public budget communication.
O’Malley outlined the steps the County has taken to reduce expenses by implementing a hiring freeze for non-essential employees, making changes to the employee benefit program, centralizing contracts, and doing in-depth departmental budget reviews while requesting a flat budget.
A big part of the budget process this year was informed by the findings of the Budget Task Force, which was created earlier this year and championed by Council Vice Chair Richard Womack. The task force included over 60 residents and didn’t turn anyone away who volunteered. The task force consisted of subcommittees on capital investments, revenue enhancements, budget presentation, and cost containment. For more information about the Budget Task Force, visit delcopa.gov/budget-task-force.
Council’s 2026 budget includes a property tax enhancement of $15.67 per month for the average Delaware County homeowner, which is necessary because of rising costs, years of stagnant revenue growth, and the fact that the County is no longer receiving American Rescue Plan funds. One third of Delco residents will see an increase of less than $100 in 2026.
“We do not take this lightly at all,” O’Malley said. “It is required to address the structural deficit we have, to provide the services our residents are entitled to and we are mandated to pay for.”
Delaware County relies on property taxes for 70% of their revenue, compared to the 25% average for local governments nationwide. This is because Pennsylvania is one of only six states where counties are not allowed to collect revenue using other taxes.
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She also explained that for every dollar the average homeowner pays in property taxes, just 14 cents of it goes to the county. The remaining money goes to the local municipality or school district.
A highlight of the presentation was when the Executive Director shared that the County will no longer run a deficit and won’t have to rely on their rainy-day fund to provide services for Delco residents now or in the future.
“No one likes to vote on a budget that increases taxes, but we need to be responsible,” said Councilmember Kevin Madden. “We can’t be kicking the can. Let’s do what we have to do now to make sure this county is on solid footing.”
The County will be holding budget hearings on Monday December 8th at 2 PM and 6 PM. These meetings will be open to the public and livestreamed at delcopa.gov/council/meetings. The recording of the meeting can be accessed after the fact at this link as well. We encourage you to come to gain a better understanding of how the budget impacts you and ask questions.
There will be a second reading and a vote on the proposed budget at the Council meeting next Wednesday, December 10 at 6 PM. All Council meetings are open to the public and livestreamed at delcopa.gov/council/meetings.
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Delaware County Council Passes Human Relations Commission Ordinance
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On Wednesday night, Delaware County Council voted unanimously in favor of an ordinance to approve the creation of a Human Relations Commission (HRC), marking a historic step forward in protecting residents from discrimination and promoting equity across the County. The ordinance makes Delaware County the latest Pennsylvania county to codify a Human Relations Commission into law.
The commission sends a clear signal that Delaware County is committed to standing against discrimination in all forms.
“For me, this ordinance represents what good local government should be,” said Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “Responsive, proactive, and committed to protecting the dignity of everyone who lives, works in, and visits our county.”
Protected classes will include race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin or citizenship status, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, relationship or association with a disabled person, source of income, age, veteran status, use of guide or support animals and/ or mechanical aids, or domestic or sexual violence victim status.
The commission will address claims of discrimination in housing, employment, education, health care, and public accommodations.
The HRC will consist of seven to 13 volunteer Delco residents who will be appointed by Executive Director Barbara O’Malley and confirmed by Council. Members will have staggered three-year terms and may include up to three non-voting ex officio members to broaden representation. Members will be selected in the new year, cost-free training will be provided by the state in the spring, and the commission can begin hearing cases next summer.
The commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a Human Relations Commission, but people often end up waiting for months or years to get their case heard. That’s why Councilmember Kevin Madden argues Delaware County having their own HRC is so important.
“This is intended to ensure that if someone is being discriminated against in Delaware County, there is an easier path to addressing it,” said Madden. “We don’t want discrimination to continue because they can’t do anything about it as a practical matter.”
Councilmember Christine Reuther emphasized the importance of Delco having their own Human Rights Commission amidst the possibility of changes to federal laws that would impact the statewide HRC.
“While Pennsylvania has adopted the Supreme Court’s definition of discrimination on the basis of sex to include one’s sexual orientation, it is entirely conceivable that could change,” said Reuther. “Therefore, Pennsylvania’s definition could change, as would the federal definition. And the HRC would not. There would still be protections from discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation.”
The County estimates the HRC will cost just $3,000 to operate, in line with commissions in other Pennsylvania counties.
Read the ordinance here.
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50th Annual Delaware County Festival of Lights Opens with Tree Lighting Ceremony and America250PA Bell Unveiling
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The Delaware County Festival of Lights officially began on Thursday, December 4 at Rose Tree Park with the annual tree lighting ceremony and the unveiling of the second Delco bell as part of America250PA’s Bells Across Pennsylvania initiative.
Delaware County Councilmembers Dr. Monica Taylor and Christine Reuther and the County’s Parks and Recreation Department, led by Interim Director Anne Stauffer, were joined by local elected officials, the Springton Lake Middle School Select Choir, Santa Claus, and hundreds of residents to kick off the 2025 Festival of Lights while celebrating the first of five Delco Flair and Fare Nights.
“Delaware County’s Festival of Lights has been a treasured Delco tradition for five decades,” said Delaware County Councilmember Elaine Taylor. “It began in 1976 as part of the nation’s Bicentennial celebrations, and every year since, it has grown brighter and more beautiful.”
Originally featuring 50 decorated trees—one for each Delco municipality and one large County tree—the festival has grown to include 125 decorated trees, over 300,000 sparkling lights, and a variety of festive displays.
Delco Flair and Fare Nights
For the second straight year, the Festival of Lights will include Delco Flair and Fare Nights, which feature local vendors, live entertainment, food trucks, and seasonal drinks. The rotating lineup of vendors ensures each evening offers something new, making it the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season in true Delco style.
This year’s Delco Flair and Fare Nights are scheduled for the following evenings:
- Saturday & Sunday, December 6-7
- Saturday & Sunday, December 13-14
America 250PA Bell Unveiling
Before the tree lighting, America250PA unveiled their second Delaware County bell. The Bells Across Pennsylvania program has invited local artists to transform three-foot fiberglass bells into unique works of art that celebrate liberty, creativity, and community pride. In total, 108 bells will be installed across Pennsylvania — at least one in each county, and two in Delaware County — connecting communities through a shared reflection on our nation’s history and ideals.
The bell was designed by Tucker Rodkey and students from Legacy Arts Chester over the last few months. He asked his students “what is America and what could America be?”
Delaware County Council extends its appreciation to America250PA Delco Director Andrea Silva and the rest of her team for their hard work and Visit Delco for sponsoring the bell.
“This is the latest of many great opportunities for Delco residents to come together to celebrate America’s 250th birthday by reflecting on our past, strengthening our community, and renewing our commitment to democracy as we look towards the future.” said Delaware County Councilmember and America250PA Commissioner Christine Reuther.
For more information about the Delaware County Festival of Lights and upcoming Delco Flair and Fare Nights, please visit delcopa.gov/parks/festival-lights.
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Workforce Development to Hold Trade Union Apprenticeship Event on Tuesday December 9
Delaware County’s Workforce Development Board will host a Trade Union Apprenticeship Career Fair on Tuesday December 9 from 6 to 9 PM at IBEW Local 654 in Boothwyn. Residents can meet union representatives and explore skilled trade career opportunities. For questions, please contact McGeeverK@co.delaware.pa.us.
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Council Collaborating with Local Stakeholders to Host 2026 Be Seen Small Business Forum on Tuesday December 9
Council is partnering up with the Delco Chamber of Commerce, America250, and Bank of America for a Small Business Forum on Tuesday December 9 from 8 to 11 AM at the 20th Century Club in Lansdowne. Discussions will center around how to capitalize on the economic momentum throughout the region connected to the FIFA World Cup, America 250 celebrations, the MLB All-Star Game, and the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. More info can be found here.
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Register of Wills Doing Mitten Tree Winter Clothing Collection Drive Through End of Year
The Register of Wills office is doing a Mitten Tree in front of their office to collect winter clothing for local families in need until the holidays. They are looking for new hats, gloves, scarves, socks, and other warm winter items. For every donation received, an ornament with your name on it will be placed on the mitten tree. More info here.
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Delaware County Park Police Operation Blue Christmas Toy Drive
The Delaware County Park Police have launched their 10th annual "Blue Christmas" Toy Drive, a cherished tradition aimed at bringing joy to children in need. From now through December 22, residents and employees are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys for children ages 2-16. More info here.
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Pennie-Certified Assisters Help to Find Health Coverage at DCHD Wellness Center
DCHD invites residents to work with Pennie-Certified Assisters to help find health care coverage this winter. Services will be provided every Wednesday from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM until January 15th at the Wellness Center located at 125 Chester Avenue, Yeadon, PA 19050. For questions please contact pennie@mendozagroup.com.
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