The City of Delaware has released its proposed operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026, outlining a detailed financial and policy roadmap designed to strengthen long-term fiscal stability, invest in critical infrastructure, and advance the community’s Strategic Action Plan.

City Manager Paul J. Brake formally transmitted the proposed budget to the City Council, and the document will be reviewed in a series of public meetings and hearings beginning this week and continuing through December.

“This budget continues Delaware’s tradition of sound financial stewardship while investing in the people, infrastructure, and partnerships that will sustain our community’s quality of life,” Brake said. “It aligns directly with the City Council’s Strategic Action Plan, which focuses on fiscal sustainability, connectivity, regional collaboration, and growth that benefits residents and employers alike.”

Key Priorities and Highlights

• The proposed 2026 budget incorporates initiatives identified through City Council’s Strategic Action Plan, adopted earlier this year, and reflects continued focus in five priority areas:
• Strengthen Fiscal Sustainability: Implements the City’s new Community Taxation Policy and continues work on transportation impact fees and maintenance funding tools.
• Grow and Diversify the Local Economy: Funds site-readiness and marketing efforts to attract new employers and expand housing options.
• Collaborate for Regional Impact: Advances major transportation and infrastructure projects in partnership with ODOT, MORPC, and Delaware County.
• Foster Connectivity and Vibrancy: Supports trail and riverfront projects, a South Sandusky Focus Area Plan, and downtown vitality efforts.
• Solve Parking and Mobility Challenges: Begins implementation of the City’s paid parking modernization plan, including new technology and management tools.

The General Fund budget for 2026 is proposed at $39.4 million, a 3% increase over the prior year, supported primarily by income tax and other revenues projected at $41.5 million, up 8.4%. The plan maintains Delaware’s strong fund balance while providing for new staffing in key operational areas, strategic facility maintenance, and capital projects.

Among notable 2026 investments are utility extensions along U.S. 42 and Sawmill Road, park and trail improvements, facility upgrades at City Hall and the Justice Center, and continued progress toward opening the City’s fifth fire station.

Public Meeting Schedule

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed budget and attend upcoming discussions with City Council and staff. Meetings will be held at City Hall, 1 S. Sandusky St., unless otherwise noted:

• Monday, Oct. 27 – First Reading, City Council Meeting
• Monday, Nov. 3 - Finance Committee Review, Finance Committee meeting
• Tuesday, Nov. 11 - Finance Committee Review, Finance Committee meeting
• Thursday, Nov. 13 - Finance Committee Review, Finance Committee meeting
• Monday, Nov. 17 - Finance Committee Review, Finance Committee meeting
• Tuesday, Nov. 18 - Finance Committee Review, Finance Committee meeting
• Wednesday, Nov. 19 - Finance Committee Review (if needed), Finance Committee meeting
• Monday, Nov. 24 – Second Reading & Public Hearing, City Council Meeting
• Monday, Dec. 8 - Third Reading and Adoption, City Council Meeting
• Monday, Dec. 22 – Final Reading & Adoption, City Council Meeting

All meetings are open to the public and will include opportunities for input. The full proposed budget document is available for review on the City’s website.

“The proposed budget represents a balance between addressing today’s service needs and preparing for tomorrow’s challenges,” Brake said. “We look forward to an open, transparent discussion with our residents as City Council considers its adoption.”