During the New Castle County Budget Hearing on May 15, 2025, officials presented a detailed overview of the county's financial outlook, highlighting a modest increase in the overall budget and significant investments in technology and diverse business initiatives.

The county's net budget has risen by just under $17,000, or 1.08%, bringing the total to approximately $1.56 million. This increase is primarily attributed to the technology division, which has seen an 11.1% rise in its gross budget request, totaling $11.5 million. Key factors driving this increase include new maintenance contracts for software related to assessments and record-keeping, as well as negotiated wages and benefits for IT staff.

In addition to budgetary concerns, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to fostering diverse business entities (DBEs). The number of verified DBEs has surged from 43 in 2023 to a projected 125 this year, reflecting the procurement team's successful efforts. The county aims to further increase its spending with diverse businesses from $3.1 million to $4 million by 2026, marking a 10% growth.

The meeting also highlighted the performance of the IT service group, which has significantly improved its responsiveness, handling over 11,000 service tickets in the past year, a notable increase from previous years.

Overall, the discussions at the budget hearing indicate a strategic focus on enhancing technology infrastructure and promoting diversity in business contracts, which are expected to have lasting positive impacts on the county's economic landscape. As the county moves forward, the emphasis on cost efficiencies and community engagement will be crucial in addressing the challenges posed by rising project costs.