June 6, 2024
Wilmington, Delaware – Several members of the Wilmington City Council held a press conference in front of the Louis L. Redding City-County Courthouse on Thursday, June 6, 2024. The purpose of the press conference was to discuss the recently approved fiscal year 2025 budget, which includes a 5.8% increase in water and sewer fees and a 4% increase in storm water fees for city residents, but excludes any property tax increases.
The 2025 Budget reflects the Council’s commitment to Wilmington residents and their well-being through strategic planning and fiscal responsibility.
Chairman Chris Johnson speaks during the fiscal year 2025 budget overview meeting at the Lewis L. Redding City-County Courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware, Thursday, June 6, 2024. Photo by Saquan Stimpson
Key highlights of the 2025 Budget:
**education:**
The budget doubled funding to the HBCU Foundation from $100,000 to $200,000 and strengthened the Board of Trustees’ commitment to promoting diversity and excellence in higher education.
**safety:**
The allocation of $100,000 for a pilot program to install traffic calming devices underscores the Council’s proactive approach to road safety, ensuring the protection of all Wilmington residents and visitors.
**Neighborhood Stabilization:**
Transfers to the Neighborhood Stabilization Fund were increased from $1 million to $2.5 million, including $1.5 million for the Home Repair Program, which will be allocated through a lottery system and is intended to empower residents and strengthen communities across the city.
Vice Chair Michelle Hurley speaks during the fiscal year 2025 budget overview meeting at the Lewis L. Redding City-County Courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware, Thursday, June 6, 2024. Photo by Saquan Stimpson
**Economic development:**
To support minority-owned businesses, $350,000 was allocated to the Economic Strategic Fund for Minority Business Development Program, highlighting the council’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and thriving economy.
**Utilities/Water Assistance:**
Funding for the Public Service Assistance Program will be increased from $250,000 to $350,000 to provide critical assistance to residents facing economic hardship and ensure access to essential public services.
**Water/Sewer Rate Increases:**
The City Council successfully negotiated adjustments to water and sewer rate increases, reducing the proposed rate increase from 9.0% to 5.8% and the stormwater rate increase from 6.0% to 4.0%. These adjustments represent the Council’s effort to balance fiscal responsibility with equitable access to essential services. For the average residential customer with a 5/8-inch meter and consuming 4,000 gallons per month, this resulted in an additional increase of $3.86 per month.
“This budget reflects the City Council’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and investing in our community and our City’s future,” said Michelle Hurley, Finance and Economic Development Committee Vice Chair for District 4. “It allows us to continue to provide essential services, support economic growth and improve the quality of life for all our residents. I am confident that these strategic allocations will help us achieve our goals as we continue to move our City forward.”
Council members were available to discuss these budget decisions and answer questions from the media.
**About Wilmington City Council:**
The Wilmington City Council is committed to serving Wilmington residents through transparent governance and strategic planning to ensure a prosperous, safe and vibrant community for all.
