New Castle County Council unanimously approves budget of $318.7 million | The latest from the WDEL News

New Castle County Council unanimously approved a fiscal 2023 budget that does not include a property tax or an increase in sewage fees.

The budget comes to the same amount of $318,715,112 proposed by County Executive Matt Meyer during his budget speech in March, a 2.28% increase from fiscal 2022.

Meyer said a highlight of the budget is the emphasis on the county’s free parks, which will have new amenities like playground equipment and pickleball courts in the coming year.

“Our parks and trails are being used in record numbers. No one pays to enter a county park or library, and this increased use means higher costs. The main thing we’ve heard from the district council is that people want these facilities to remain. and we are committed to that.”

Meyer said they will continue to restructure their New Castle County Police Force in how they respond to specific calls.

“You will see continued growth in our behavioral health policing, which uses civilians trained in mental health, behavioral health and substance use to handle cases with the most qualified professionals.”

The budget also offers employees up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, as long as flexibility for teleworking is increased.