Some Delaware residents will get property tax credit

Sussex County property owners will get a one time tax credit equal to about eight percent of their county tax bills thanks to a budget surplus from 2011.

The tax credit is part of the $121 million Sussex County budget for Fiscal Year 2013 which was approved by County Council today.  “Sussex County has shown it is possible to have a balanced, fiscally responsible budget that keeps costs under control, and still provide the services people have come to expect,” said County Administrator Todd Lawson.  “That’s not always easy to do, especially in the new economy.”  

The new budget keeps the property tax rate at 44.5 cents per $100 of assessed value for the 23rd consecutive year.  Property owners who are current on their property taxes will get a one time credit of 3.5 cents per $100 of assessed value, which translates to about eight percent of their tax bills.  The credit will be applied to tax bills mailed out in August.  The total amount being returned to tax payers is about $1 million.

The spending plan also includes a 2.25% cost of living pay increase for county employees.