County Council

Delaware County Pennsylvania/ County Council

Page updated January 15, 2026

Members of the County Council

Helpful County Council Links

County Council Function

Delaware County is governed by a five-member County Council, which replaced the three-member Board of County Commissioners as the governing body of the County in January 1976, when the Home Rule Charter went into effect. The actual expansion of Council to five members occurred in January 1978.

Council is responsible for all legislative and administrative functions of the County government. Although Council has overall responsibility for all action of County departments, the Executive Director, a County Council appointee, is directly responsible for the operations of certain departments as outlined in the Home Rule Charter or Administrative Code, or as assigned by the Executive Director and the County Clerk. Legal guidance and representation is provided by the Solicitor.

Members of Council are elected to four-year terms at staggered two-year intervals in years when municipal elections are held, which occur in odd-numbered years. Council organizes the first Monday of each even-numbered year when the members elect one of their own to serve as Chairman and one to service as Vice Chairman.

The powers and duties of Council are many and varied. The Home Rule Charter provides Council with the authority to pass ordinances, resolutions and proclamations and to provide budgets and personnel to meet the needs of the people of Delaware County as they arise.

Council is responsible for adopting a budget each calendar year. The budget includes setting personal and real estate tax rates and fees to raise the funds needed to meet the needs of the budget. To raise money for major capital projects, Council sells tax-exempt municipal bonds which are paid off at predetermined intervals over a certain number of years. Many social programs are primarily funded by federal and state grants, which are forwarded to the County government for distribution.

Payroll scales and the number of employees necessary to perform County services, including judicial offices, are set by Council.

Council decides the best means of providing services which are required by law or are necessary for the well-being of the County, and determines the degree of participation of the County in the intergovernmental programs involving federal, state and local governments.

County Council is involved in such diverse activities as economic development, public transportation, waste disposal, human services, housing, land use and culture.

Delaware County's 2025 State of the County: Fulfilling Our Promise

Delaware County Council and Executive Director Barbara O’Malley were proud to present the annual State of the County on May 21 at the Llanerch Country Club in Havertown. The event, hosted by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, provides Chamber members, business leaders, and members of the community the opportunity to learn about accomplishments, ongoing projects, and goals of County Council and County leadership.

This year’s theme, “Fulfilling Our Promise,” tells the story of how our county government is working to answer the concerns and address the needs of our residents, making critical investments in key areas, and working to build a better future for all Delco residents.

Public Safety and Criminal Justice

The presentation detailed Delaware County’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety, including becoming the first county in Pennsylvania to ban ghost guns and machine gun conversion devices. The success of a multiyear anti-violence initiative in Chester—which has helped reduce gun crime by 54% since 2020—was highlighted as a model for data-driven, community-based public safety strategies.

The George W. Hill Correctional Facility continues to see a decline in daily population, alongside expanded mental health treatment, drug and alcohol services, and educational programming. Major capital upgrades are underway to improve security systems, kitchen operations, and core infrastructure—while employing local labor and vendors wherever possible.

Health, Emergency Services, and the Crozer Response

The Delaware County Health Department, now in its third year, is implementing a Community Health Improvement Plan focused on mental health, chronic disease prevention, maternal and infant care, and emergency preparedness. Council emphasized that over 72% of the Health Department’s budget is grant-funded, with the remainder supported by ARPA funds—meaning no impact to County tax dollars to date.

The presentation also addressed the lasting impact of the Crozer Health System closure, which continues to affect emergency care access and organ donation coordination. The County has partnered with ChristianaCare and other providers to reestablish care infrastructure.

In response to gaps in emergency coverage, the County deployed a 90-day EMS contingency plan in underserved areas, supported by state and private funding. The County also completed a $40 million upgrade to the public safety radio system, its first overhaul in decades.

Fiscal Responsibility and Strategic Planning

The presentation highlighted the County’s strong fiscal posture, with a general fund budget of $321 million and a total operating budget approaching $900 million. To promote transparency and improve efficiency, the County launched a Community Budget Task Force made up of more than 60 residents and subject-matter experts, focused on developing capital strategies, identifying revenue opportunities, and proposing cost-saving measures for the 2026 budget.

The County continues to pursue grant funding and has seen success at Fair Acres, which increased its net revenue by 10.8% and maintained a five-star CMS rating, while being recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s best nursing homes.

Quality of Life, Housing, and Community Investment

The presentation also emphasized continued growth in Delaware County’s trail network, park system, and digital services. The County has invested in trailhead expansions, native meadow conversions, and improvements at Rose Tree Park, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025.

The County’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity through the Whole Home Repair Program has received over 1,300 inquiries, with funding available to assist more than 200 households with essential repairs.

As the County prepares for large-scale regional events—including the World Cup, America250, the PGA Championship, and the MLB All-Star Game—Council reiterated the importance of long-term planning and continued resident engagement.

“This presentation is only a glimpse of what’s being done every day,” noted Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “Across departments, our team is working hard to improve the lives of residents throughout Delaware County—whether it’s investing in infrastructure, expanding access to health and human services, supporting public safety, or planning for the future through transparency and community engagement. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, and we remain committed to building a better future for Delaware County.”

A recording of Executive Director O’Malley’s presentation is available here. Council Chair Dr. Taylor’s presentation can be found here.