Delaware County Commissioners Meeting - November 2, 2026c

The Delaware County Commissioners’ 2027 budget work session on November 3, 2026, covered the proposed general-fund budget and county facilities and wastewater capital plans. Finance staff said the budget was close to balanced, with additional reductions still under review and adoption targeted for November 23. Sales tax is projected at about $102 million; wages and benefits account for approximately $92.6 million, or 55% of appropriations. The county reported no planned new debt for most projects, but expects to use about $5 million in cash from commercial TIFs toward the approximately $18 million Home Road railroad overpass and issue short-term notes for the remainder in 2028. Permanent-improvement priorities include replacing the Hayes Building HVAC units and the county phone system. For the shared services building, the reported budget was approximately $41.9 million, with Gilbane serving as construction manager at risk; substantial completion is expected in fall 2027. Staff also reported receiving seven qualifications for architectural services for the Hayes Building renovation and plan to interview the highest-ranked firm before returning with a recommendation. No budget or contract-award votes are recorded in the transcript.

The facilities and utilities presentations outlined additional planned and ongoing work. The EMS Station 3 and Sheriff’s South Substation project is in design, with bidding anticipated in mid-2027 and construction completion projected for 2028. Wastewater projects include the East Creek pump station, estimated at $4.5 million total with about $1.5 million budgeted for 2027; Central Allen Creek treatment-plant planning and design; and a proposed sewer extension option estimated at roughly $25 million. The utility department reported slower-than-expected 2026 capacity-fee revenues and proposed budgeting for 11 vacant positions in 2027, while tap fees would remain unchanged and user fees would rise to $42 under an existing annual-increase schedule. Staff also described ongoing treatment-plant upgrades and studies; these were budget and project updates, not recorded procurement approvals.