The City of Delaware is placing Issue 3 before voters on Nov. 5 that if approved, would increase the municipal income tax rate from 1.85% to 2.30%. The proposed tax will provide $7.6 million annually in new revenue for essential street repairs and critical capital improvements.
The Financial Review Task Force, a citizen-led group, reported in 2023 that Delaware residents receive a high level of services relative to other central Ohio communities, while providing the most complete menu of services to residents and businesses.
Delaware has been growing for much of its 200-plus years. Delaware’s population is projected at between 42,000 and 45,000, a 12% increase from 2020 and an 87% increase from 2000.
The City’s goal over the past decades has been to manage growth as well as possible and require developments to pay for their own infrastructure. This means that new developments are required to finance the building of their own roads, pipes, etc. Developers also pay impact fees to Delaware that are used to fund the increased use of police, fire, etc. The result is that while the city has grown, it has been possible to reduce the cost to existing residents and not ask for new taxes very often.
Most troubling is what happens if Issue 3 fails. The City has developed two capital project budgets and reviewing them makes it clear that Issue 3 is vital.
One argument being made against the increase is coming from misinformation about who will be impacted by the proposed increase. Social security, disability benefits, military compensation, unemployment benefits and retirement pension are not taxed as earned income and therefore would not be impacted by the proposed change.
Issue 3 is not a referendum about the city’s growth. The growth is here because Delaware is a terrific place to live, work and play. Former City Manager Tom Homan has remarked that the vibrant downtown that we enjoy and are so proud of is directly related to the growth in the community. The private sector is not developing because there is no market – the market drives development. The growth represents residents who contribute to the community through their time, talent and treasure. They stimulate small business and enrich our relationships and culture. They bring new ideas and energy. They volunteer and share values. The choice between growth and its opposite — stagnation — is clear.
But as citizens, we must all participate in the maintenance of our community. The City of Delaware has done a lot with revenue that is diluted as the area grows. It’s time to preserve the city’s infrastructure so that all the great things we love about our city can look to the future.
The Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce endorses Issue 3 and encourages voters to send a message that it’s vital to work together to maintain the quality of life that makes our home so special.
Holly Quaine
President
Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce
