Delaware County Council on Wednesday approved a 19% property tax increase for 2026 , ending weeks of tense public comment and marking the second consecutive year of a double-digit hike .

The $340 million budget passed on a 4–1 vote. For a homeowner with an average assessment of $255,000, the increase adds about $188 a year — roughly $16 a month. Last year's 23% increase added about $184 to similar tax bills.

Although only about two dozen residents attended Wednesday's meeting, several spoke out passionately against the back-to-back increases. Some shouted out of turn during public comment, prompting council to warn they might call a recess if the room did not stay orderly.

"You tried to ignore us, but we will not be silenced," one resident said during the meeting.

A few residen

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