Kent County Levy Court Business Meeting - June 9, 2026

The Kent County Levy Court held its regular business meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Levy Court Chambers at 555 Bay Road, Dover, Delaware. The meeting was conducted in person with virtual access via WebEx. Commissioners present: Angel, Hall, Hertz, Pepper, Scott, Sweeney, and Maston (7 present). The meeting covered the adoption of the FY27 budget and related tax rates, a presentation on the Ackerage Scout Reservation, and several new business items including a resolution opposing Senate Bill 23.

Consent Calendar

• Consent Agenda 26-10: Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Resolution 4168: Commands the Director of Finance to collect sewer delinquent accounts as of March 31, 2026. Approved (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dave Voss (First Vice President, Kent County Volunteer Firefighter Association) attended to provide representation for the association. No comments or positions were stated.

Discussion Items

• Presentation – Ackerage Scout Reservation Update: Mr. Ray Teeth, Scout Executive for Scouting America, DelMarva Council, provided an update on the Ackerage Scout Reservation. He noted the project, originally a 10-year, $20 million effort, has become a 20-year, $30 million project funded without borrowing. Key achievements: a new 8-room comfort station (showers/toilets) funded by an ARPA grant opened in March 2026, a leadership development center (3,100 sq ft) nearing completion for September 2026, and plans for a 350-seat food service facility (“innovation kitchen”) expected to cost $3.5 million. Scouting membership is growing on the Delmarva Peninsula. The council recently hosted a jamboree with 1,200 participants. Commissioner Angel asked about table spacing in the food hall concept; Mr. Teeth acknowledged the drawing may need adjustments.
• FY27 Budget Resolutions (Public Hearings):
  • Resolution 4157 – Sewer Assessment Roles: Approved (7-0).
  • Resolution 4158 – Property Tax Rate (5.72¢ per $100 assessed value, no increase): Approved (7-0).
  • Resolution 4159 – Old Mill Acres Suburban Park District Tax Rate (0.00842 per $100, no increase): Approved (7-0).
  • Resolution 4160 – Royal Grant Suburban Park District Tax Rate (0.00933 per $100, no increase): Approved (7-0).
  • Resolution 4161 – Eagle's Nest Suburban Park District Tax Rate (0.00173 per $100, no increase): Approved (6-0, with one absent; Commissioner Scott absent for roll call but later present).
  • Resolution 4162 – Kent County Disposal District No. 1 User Rate ($4.24 per 1,000 gallons, an 11% increase from $3.82): Approved 5-2. Commissioner Sweeney spoke in opposition, arguing the increase unjustly burdens families and seniors, that the advisory board recommended 3%, and that the $460,000 surplus from the increase lacks a plan. Mrs. Maston initially voted yes but changed to no, citing the Finance Director's call for fiscal responsibility. Final vote: 5 yes (Angel, Hall, Hertz, Pepper, Scott), 2 no (Sweeney, Maston).
  • Resolution 4163 – Milford Library District Tax Rate (0.0121 per $100): Approved (7-0).
  • Resolution 4164 – Duck Creek Library District Tax Rate (0.0051 per $100): Approved (7-0).
  • Resolution 4165 – Lake Forest Library District Tax Rate (0.0051 per $100): Approved (7-0).
  • Resolution 4166 – Caesar Rodney Library District Tax Rate (0.0051 per $100): Approved (7-0).
  • Resolution 4167 – Capital Library District Tax Rate (0.0051 per $100): Approved (7-0).
  • Ordinance LC 26-07 – Annual Operating Budget for FY27 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027): Approved (7-0). Commissioner Pepper noted he voted yes despite opposing the sewer rate increase due to the budget's overall merits.
• New Business – Lease Agreement with Delaware State Police: Commissioner Angel moved to approve the lease agreement between Kent County and the State of Delaware (Office of Management and Budget) for Delaware State Police office space. Approved 5-0, with Commissioner Pepper not voting (potential conflict of interest) and Commissioner Scott abstaining (employment with DSP).
• New Business – Resolution 4172 Opposing Senate Bill 23: Commissioner Hall read the resolution opposing Senate Substitute No. 2 for SB 23 (Housing for Every Delawarean Act). The resolution argues the bill overrides local zoning authority, imposes mandatory density increases, reduces public participation, and creates legal uncertainty. All seven commissioners voted yes. Commissioners Angel, Hall, Hertz, Pepper, Scott, Sweeney, and Maston each expressed concerns about state overreach and the definition of affordable housing.
• New Business – Introduction of Ordinances (Future Hearings):
  • LC 26-04 (Ethics Code Repeal and Replacement) – Public hearing set for July 21, 2026.
  • LC 26-10 (Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendment – CZ 26-02) – Public hearing July 21, 2026.
  • LC 26-06 (Data Centers as Permitted Use in IL and IG Districts) – Public hearing July 21, 2026.
• New Business – Generator Purchase: Awarded contract to Premium Power Solutions for two replacement and one new generator with transfer switch for $124,963, using sewer fund contingency. Approved (7-0).
• New Business – Twin Maples Mobile Home Park Septic Elimination Project: Awarded engineering services contract to Davis Bowen & Friedel for $230,000. Approved (7-0). Authorized pursuit of state/federal funding.

Key Outcomes

• FY27 Budget Approved: All tax rates, fees, and the final operating budget (Ordinance LC 26-07) passed. The sewer user rate increase (Resolution 4162) passed 5-2 over opposition from Commissioners Sweeney and Maston.
• Return to Local Control: Resolution 4172 opposing Senate Bill 23 passed unanimously, directing copies to the General Assembly and Governor.
• Lease with Delaware State Police: Approved with two recusals/abstentions.
• Future Public Hearings Scheduled: July 21, 2026 for ethics code revisions, comprehensive plan amendment, and data center zoning changes.
• Infrastructure Contracts: Generators and septic elimination engineering approved.