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DelawareSB 121153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)Senate

AN ACT TO AMEND THE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF DEWEY BEACH.

Sponsored By: Russell Huxtable (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Tax breaks for Dewey Beach bondholders

Dewey Beach bonds and other town debt certificates are exempt from Delaware state, county, and municipal taxes. This tax break applies to holders of these town-issued instruments. The law does not state how much each investor saves.

Dewey Beach manager gains administrative authority

Parking administration joins the Town Manager's duties overseeing town infrastructure and administrative affairs. The Manager can terminate the external audit contract with the Audit Committee's agreement; the Committee retains audit oversight. The law confirms the Manager's authority to collect taxes, assessments, rents, franchise fees, license fees, and other town charges. The Manager also administers the Charter, ordinances, and resolutions unless responsibility is assigned elsewhere.

Dewey Beach employees face compensation limits

The Town Council sets employee and officer salaries or compensation by department during the annual budget process. Town employees and officers cannot receive compensation beyond the amounts the Council fixes under this rule.

Dewey Beach patrol captain contract limits

The Dewey Beach Beach Patrol Captain must serve under a contract lasting no more than three years. The contract cannot renew automatically. The Town Manager can renew it any number of times, but each renewal requires Town Council approval. Without a contract, the captain is an at-will employee. Discipline or termination follows the contract's terms when a contract is in place.

Dewey Beach police chief hiring requirements

The Town Manager must recommend at least three police chief candidates. Candidates must meet qualifications set by the Manager and approved by the Town Council, plus Delaware police training requirements. A chief hired without certification must earn it within one year of employment to keep the job. Appointment requires at least three favorable Town Council votes.

Dewey Beach borrowing authority and limits

Dewey Beach can borrow up to $3 million in total; borrowing above that amount requires voter approval through a referendum. Separately, total town debt for all purposes cannot exceed $3 million at any one time. The town can issue bonds or debt certificates backed by its full faith and credit or other securities. The Charter places borrowing authority in its borrowing section, replacing the separate general grant of borrowing power.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Russell Huxtable

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Claire Snyder-Hall

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 80 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/26/2025

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 6/25/2025

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/15/2025

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 20 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    6/30/2025Governor

  2. Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

    6/26/2025Senate

  3. Passed By House. Votes: 39 YES 1 ABSENT 1 VACANT

    6/25/2025House

  4. Amendment HA 1 to SB 121 - Passed In House by Voice Vote

    6/25/2025House

  5. Amendment HA 1 to SB 121 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

    6/17/2025Senate

  6. Reported Out of Committee (Administration) in House with 5 On Its Merits

    6/11/2025House

  7. Assigned to Administration Committee in House

    5/20/2025House

  8. Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT

    5/15/2025Senate

  9. Reported Out of Committee (Elections & Government Affairs) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits

    5/14/2025Senate

  10. Introduced and Assigned to Elections & Government Affairs Committee in Senate

    5/1/2025Senate

Bill Text

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