DELAWARE

These Delaware bills could impact Sussex County

The Daily Times

What could happen in Dover at the end of the month already has the Sussex County Council talking.

At the county council meeting on June 20, Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson gave a rundown of legislation that could impact Sussex County.

"These bills would impact either the county or county officials," Lawson said.

Here's a look at some of the bills discussed at the meeting.

House Bill 130

One bill that most of the council members did not support was House Bill 130, the bill that would add an 8 percent tax to short term rentals.

"It would impact Sussex County more than any other county," said council member George Cole.

This bill has only been assigned to committee as of June 20, Lawson said, and there has been no action taken on the bill.

All council members were in opposition to the bill with the exception of Council member Sam Wilson.

"Why should we oppose it when all the people that come down here just can't wait to get to the beaches?" he asked. "They're bringing their money down here."

Council member Rob Arlett raised the question as to where the money would go. Lawson said the money would be distributed as it is now with the already established lodging tax with 5 percent going toward the general fund, and 1 percent each to beach nourishment, state tourism and one percent divided between the county tourism offices.

Council member Irwin G. Burton III agreed with Cole and said the tax would be difficult to enforce.

Arlett later added that he was concerned about how the tax would impact tourism in the state.

Council President Michael Vincent, though, raised doubt that the bill would be passed.

"I think in all honesty, with my personal opinion, since it was introduced April 13 in the House, and it has sat there since then ... and I doubt it will see the light of day," he said.

House Bill 99

House Bill 99 would require residents aged 65 years or older who want a credit for school taxes to live in the state for 10 years prior rather than the current three.

This bill has passed both the House of Delegates and the Senate, and it awaits Gov. John Carney's signature as of June 20.

No one on the council spoke in opposition to this bill, and if signed, the bill would take effect Jan. 1, 2018.

House Bill 89

House Bill 89 would change the date for primary elections for statewide, countywide and municipal elections to the fourth Tuesday in April, the date of Delaware's presidential primary.

The council was in favor of the proposed bill, which has passed the House of Delegates and is awaiting vote in the Senate as of June 20.

"I would support this," Cole said, with Wilson saying it would save "a lot" of money if it is passed.

This bill would take effect Jan. 1, 2020, Lawson said, so it would not impact the primary elections in 2018.

Senate Bill 38

Senate Bill 38 would create tax exemptions for individuals with disabilities. Lawson said this bill would also apply to veterans and Sussex County already has a law similar to this on the books.

Senate Bill 99

Senate Bill 99 is a bill that the Sussex County Council helped draft. The bill would determine how the amount of sewer could be determined for a property.

House Bill 188

House Bill 188 would allow liens to be placed on vacant and abandoned properties.

Lawson said the bill mainly applies to New Castle County, however, Vincent said he is in support of the bill because it could help out Sussex County.

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