Sussex Co. releases proposed FY2026 budget

SUSSEX CO., Del. – Sussex County had proposed a $285.1 million budget for the upcoming Fiscal Year.

On Tuesday, officials unveiled the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026, propped up by increased assessed property values but drafted with a lowered tax rate. This budget aims to fund a variety of local services, including 911 dispatchers, paramedics, and other public safety, as well as sewer expansions and continued open space preservation.

The overall budget is up nearly $20 million, or 7.3%, however, the general fund portion that pays for day-to-day operations is rising only $4 million, or 4.4%. The most significant change in the proposed budget is a new tax rate, which was last altered back in 1989.

The full proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget can be found here.