The City of Delaware has unveiled its financial blueprint for 2026, with a budget that echoes the City Council’s vision for fiscal stability and community investment, as reported on the official city website. City Manager Paul J. Brake, in his announcement, emphasized an alignment with the City Council's Strategic Action Plan, highlighting efforts in fiscal sustainability, economic growth, regional partnership, connectivity, and addressing parking and mobility concerns, according to an announcement on the City of Delaware's website.
The proposed budget pegs the General Fund at $39.4 million for the 2026 fiscal year this marks a 3% hike from the previous fiscal period, and it comes amidst projections of an 8.4% surge in income tax and other revenues totaling $41.5 million; it has set aside provisions for new staffing, facility maintenance, and broad-spanned capital projects, all while keeping the city's fund balance in robust health. As laid out, the budget will back vital infrastructure developments along U.S. 42 and Sawmill Road, carry forward the city's fifth fire station project, and upgrade City Hall and the Justice Center, as well as parks and trails, the city's announcement detailed.
To further engage the community, Delaware has slotted a series of public meetings, encouraging resident dialogue and feedback, slated to roll out from late October to December at various sessions hosted in City Hall. Among these, the schedule includes the Finance Committee meetings and City Council gatherings, where second and third readings, along with public hearings, will culminate in the final budget adoption, as per the city's news release.
The 2026 budget plan also features the launch of Delaware's paid parking modernization initiative, a scheme that incorporates leading-edge technology and management strategies, and alongside major transportation infrastructure projects, it’s joining forces with the likes of ODOT, MORPC, and Delaware County. The expected ripple effect is set to spur regional impact while solving local mobility challenges. “The proposed budget represents a balance between addressing today’s service needs and preparing for tomorrow’s challenges,” Brake said in a statement, a sentiment echoed throughout the budget’s progressive undertakings designed to elevate community living standards and attract growth, all documented on the City of Delaware's online portal.
