Collected and spent
In 2022, Sussex County spent about $155.7M. This is a Census of Governments estimate across all of its funds.
Spent
$155.7M
Fiscal year 2022 · Census of Governments estimate, all funds · spending
Where the money comes from
One tax.
Property tax
$0.25 per $100 of value
Source · Delaware Division of Revenue, Sussex County. Read on June 5, 2026.
Details
Sussex County (DE) 2024 property tax — county levy modeled at 2.5 mills/$1,000 effective market value (~0.25% effective; Sussex is DE's lowest-tax county; popular retirement/beach destination with high market values). Verify at Sussex County AssessmentWhere it goes
Ten service lines.
Public works
$67.7M
Health and human services
$25.6M
General government
$21.7M
Other
$15.7M
Debt service · past obligation
$8.0M
Library
$5.8M
Fire
$5.2M
Police
$4.3M
Parks and recreation
$0.9M
Transit
$0.8M
Bars in both tables share one scale. Hatched lines pay for past obligations, not current services.
Source · 2022 Census of Governments - Estimated service split source. Read on October 20, 2026.
Who decides
The council passes the yearly budget. It also sets the tax rate on real estate. A county administrator drafts the budget. 5 Council members, one for each of 5 districts.
Matt Lloyd
Councilmember, District 1
Next election
November 7, 2028
Steve C. McCarron
Councilmember, District 2
Next election
November 7, 2028
Jane Gruenebaum
Councilmember, District 3
Next election
November 7, 2028
Douglas B. Hudson
Councilmember, District 4
Next election
November 3, 2026
John L. Rieley
Councilmember, District 5
Next election
November 3, 2026
Source · Delaware Code Online, 9 Del. C. §7001(a) and §7002(n), powers and budget adoption. Read on October 10, 2026.
Details
9 Del. C. §7001(a) and §7002(n), powers and budget adoption (read 2026-10-10)When decisions happen
Delaware law says the council must adopt a balanced budget by June 30. The council voted on the 2026 budget on June 17, 2025.
Each yearThe county budget year runs July 1 to June 30.
November 3, 2026Election for 2 seats
How to reach it
Clerk of the Council: (302) 855-7743
Phone
2 The Circle, P.O. Box 589, Georgetown, DE 19947
Mailing address
Source · Sussex County, Sussex County news release: County adopts $285.1 million budget for Fiscal 2026. Read on October 10, 2026.
Details
Sussex County news release: County adopts $285.1 million budget for Fiscal 2026 (read 2026-10-10)Also on this tax bill
A Sussex County address pays these governments too. Which school districts and cities apply depends on the address.
On every bill in Sussex County
On some bills, depending on the address
School districts: 7
Indian River School DistrictNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Cape Henlopen School DistrictNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Milford School DistrictNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Woodbridge School DistrictNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Laurel School DistrictNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Seaford School DistrictNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Delmar School DistrictNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Cities: 1
MilfordNot in Who Taxes Me yet
Sources
Spent
2022 Census of Governments - Estimated service split source. Read on October 20, 2026.
Taxes
Delaware Division of Revenue, Sussex County. Read on June 5, 2026.
Details
Sussex County (DE) 2024 property tax — county levy modeled at 2.5 mills/$1,000 effective market value (~0.25% effective; Sussex is DE's lowest-tax county; popular retirement/beach destination with high market values). Verify at Sussex County AssessmentWho decides
Delaware Code Online, 9 Del. C. §7001(a) and §7002(n), powers and budget adoption. Read on October 10, 2026.
Details
9 Del. C. §7001(a) and §7002(n), powers and budget adoption (read 2026-10-10)When decisions happen
Sussex County, Sussex County news release: County adopts $285.1 million budget for Fiscal 2026. Read on October 10, 2026.
Details
Sussex County news release: County adopts $285.1 million budget for Fiscal 2026 (read 2026-10-10)How to reach it
Sussex County, Sussex County Council page. Read on October 10, 2026.
Details
Sussex County Council page (read 2026-10-10)What it does
2022 Census of Governments - Estimated service split source. Read on October 13, 2026.
To act on what you have read
Who Taxes Me describes. These three tools, made by the same team, are where you can do something about it. Each opens in a new tab.
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Influence what and how much you are taxed
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Compare taxes between two places
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