The Delaware County Council voted Wednesday to increase property taxes by 23%.
According to council members, the increase is not 23% more than the property tax of the previous year, but a smaller percentage.
Before the vote, councilors heard from residents, the vast majority of whom disagreed with the proposal.
At least one advocate came forward to speak and said he supported the increase and the county’s programs.
The immediate reaction after the vote was marked by anger and disappointment.
“I really think this county council is not looking at what the residents need, but just constantly spending money,” said one participant.
The the province said a third of residents will see an annual increase of less than $100. The average increase will be $185, Councilman Kevin Madden said.
Officials say they need to raise taxes because revenues have been stable for years while costs continue to rise due to inflation.
