Delaware County's 2026 capital budget has shrunk by $18 million after a mid-year review that trimmed projects, deferred others and brought in $7 million in new grant money.

Chief Financial Officer Kelly Diaz told county council on Friday, Aug. 21, that the amended budget now stands at $109 million, down from the $127.2 million council approved in December 2025. That's a 14% cut. The reduction came through 57 budget modifications, six projects dropped entirely and six deferred to future years, according to the Daily Times.

Even with 18 new projects added, the total count rose only to 148. More than 56% of those have been started or completed. The capital budget covers 85 county facilities and 15 parks across Delaware County, including infrastructure that serves Radnor and Haverford township residents.

Public Works Director Danielle Floyd, presenting her third consecutive mid-year capital update, said the county's Sustainability and Planning departments secured $7 million in grants. The largest chunk: $5 million from the EPA for composting and household hazardous waste expansions at transfer stations in Chester Township and Broomall. Another $2 million came from the U.S. Department of Transportation for electric vehicle infrastructure. Smaller grants included $205,309 from hotel tax revenue for 1724 Chester Courthouse renovations and $150,000 from the Local Share Account for emergency services LED retrofitting.

"Overall, we're a little bit over halfway with over 56% of the projects that were included in the capital budget having been started or initiated, or completed," Floyd said.

The county also relies on bond proceeds to fund capital work. As of Aug. 5, the balance in existing loan funds stood at $47.1 million. For some projects, the county plans to provide upfront funding and seek reimbursement through grants.

Projects still awaiting assignment this year include renovations at the Office of the Medical Examiner and Records and Archives, a study of courtroom and jury-room upgrades, security camera installations at the 911 Center, a generator replacement at Fair Acres and stone restroom and foundation repairs at Rose Tree Park.

Council member Elaine Paul Schaefer said the mid-year check-in directly feeds the 2027 budget process, which council expects to begin in one to two months. Council member Joanne Phillips said the maintenance investments should save money long-term.

Council Vice Chair Christine Reuther noted the county had lacked a systematic maintenance plan before this effort. "Most people try to plan for some type of maintenance budget," Reuther said. "That wasn't really how things were done here."

No Radnor or Haverford-specific projects were detailed in the mid-year review. The 2027 capital budget discussion is expected to begin this fall.