County Council Rejects County Executive Meyer’s 2019 Budget

On Monday night the New Castle County Council voted In a 10 to 3 to reject the Fiscal Year 2019 operating budget, proposed by County Executive Matthew Meyer.

The proposed budget included a 15% property tax hike that some on the council thought was too much.

After the Meyer said that he will meet with his department head this morning at 9:00 am to plot a way forward.

“For five years, county government has spent more money than it has taken in as revenue. As a result, we are running out of money to fund government services. Tonight, County Council rejected a plan to fully fund police, paramedics, libraries and parks that would cost about an extra dollar a week. County Council rejected a plan to fix the irresponsible decisions of the past administration and put our great county back on solid footing. In 20 town halls, I listened to the residents of this county. They overwhelmingly supported the responsible budget rejected by Council tonight. The results of tonight might be severe as we now must consider cuts to critical services. As we move forward, I will continue to listen to you. I will continue to fight for you.”, said Meyer in a prepared statement.

Council did approve a 12% increase in the residents’ sewer fees at last night’s meeting.