New Castle County Executive unveils budget tonight

New Castle County Executive Chris Coons will deliver his recommended budget tonight.

New Castle County Executive Chris Coons will deliver his recommended budget tonight.

Coons will talk about the status of the county’s finances, and what residents should expect with the new fiscal year starting July 1.

Last year to help overcome a 47.5% drop in real estate transfer tax revenue, the county’s major revenue source,  New Castle County residents had to pay 25% more in property taxes and  10% more for sewer service.

The County also eliminated or unfunded a total of 97 vacant positions, and much of the county workforce took a 5% pay cut.

County Council will start holding weekly hearings March 22, which are open to the public,  to review Coons’ recommendations. It will vote May 25 on ordinances to set the tax rate and the budget.

The public is invited to attend the address which begins at 6 p.m. at the Louis L. Redding City/County Building at 801 French St. in Wilmington.