City of Rehoboth Beach set to approve budget March 15

At the March 15, 2019, regular meeting, commissioners are set to approve the FY 2019-20 $22.5 million balanced budget. To fund the vital backlog of infrastructure projects, property owners can expect water, sewer, refuse and real estate tax increases this year. The budget includes a real estate tax increase from $0.04 to $0.06 per every $100 of assessed value. The tax rate will be set at the June 21, 2019, regular commissioners meeting and will be in effect beginning July 1, 2019. This increase in revenue will go directly to fund stormwater upgrades, water main replacements, street paving, a new trash truck, and boardwalk restroom renovations. An overall increase of 30% for water and 60% for sewer effective April 1, 2019, is included in the budget. Based on the feedback from the town hall meeting on January 5, 2019, a utility rates working group was formed to determine a rate structure that is fair and equitable to all. Their work is still in progress and in the interim, the increases were recommended by the City's consultant at the end of 2018. A refuse increase of $25 annually for seasonal and year-round customers is also included. For City meeting information and live streaming, please visit cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net/Portal.