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DelawareHB 146153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MILFORD RELATING TO ENUMERATED POWERS AND CITY COUNCIL GOVERNMENT.

Sponsored By: Bryan W. Shupe (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Milford gains power to take private property

Milford's City Council can acquire private property through eminent domain under Title 29, Chapter 95 of Delaware law. It cannot take land used solely for recreation. The law names no specific properties, acquisition dates, or payment amounts.

Unpaid city debts bar Milford officials

People with overdue Milford debts that can no longer be appealed cannot be elected mayor or councilmember. Covered debts include city taxes, special assessments, utility bills, and other fees or costs. Sitting officials more than 2 months behind on these debts lose the rest of their term. Their seats become vacant under Article 4.05 of the charter. This rule does not create new payment obligations for residents.

Longer terms and new Milford council rules

Milford keeps a mayor and 8 councilmembers, with 2 councilmembers living in each of its 4 wards. The council has no more than 8 members. Beginning January 1, 2026, newly elected or appointed mayors serve 3-year terms, starting with the 2026 election. Beginning January 1, 2027, newly elected or appointed councilmembers serve 3-year terms, starting with the 2027 and 2028 elections. These changes continue thereafter; earlier terms remain 2 years. Officials get longer terms, while residents vote for those offices less often. The annual organizational meeting starts at 6:00 p.m., instead of 7:00 p.m., on the second Monday after the annual election. A council majority can approve proclamations recognizing achievements, historical events, special days or months, and other matters it finds appropriate. The mayor serves as the council's executive, leads meetings, and votes only to break ties. Subject to Section 3.01, the mayor signs council-authorized agreements, contracts, bonds, deeds, leases, proclamations, and other documents required under the charter. The mayor or a designee must countersign council-authorized orders, checks, and warrants and carry out charter and ordinance duties. With council consent, the mayor can create committees, appoint members, and name chairs to help administer the council.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bryan W. Shupe

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Charles S Postles Jr.

    Republican • House

  • David L. Wilson

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 61 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/30/2025

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 6/24/2025

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    7/1/2025Governor

  2. Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

    6/30/2025Senate

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Elections & Government Affairs) in Senate with 6 On Its Merits

    6/25/2025Senate

  4. Assigned to Elections & Government Affairs Committee in Senate

    6/24/2025Senate

  5. Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 VACANT

    6/24/2025House

  6. Reported Out of Committee (Administration) in House with 4 On Its Merits

    6/18/2025House

  7. Introduced and Assigned to Administration Committee in House

    5/8/2025House

Bill Text

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