Wednesday, May 20, 2026, City Hall, City of Dover, Delaware
AI summary
The Dover City Council held a special budget review meeting for the FY 2027 draft annual operating budget. Key actions included rejecting a proposed transfer of $1.6 million from the Economic Development Fund into the General Fund, voting unanimously to amend budget revenues to incorporate $1.6 million in Public Safety Funds from the Delaware General Assembly, and allocating $909,000 of those funds toward fire truck debt service payments. Council also voted unanimously to apply the remaining public safety funds to offset operational expenses, eliminate the proposed residential portion of the public safety fee, and lower the projected property tax rate increase. Council discussed the Dover Police Academy and water quality improvement deferrals before voting to recess.
Move to have the floor open for discussion for 10 minutes so council members could ask questions about the budget.
Passed. 6 yes, 1 no, 2 absent
Move for adoption of the amended agenda.
Passed. 5 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain, 2 absent
Move to transfer the $1.6 million remaining in the Economic Development Fund and transfer it into the General Fund for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
Did not pass. 2 yes, 6 no, 1 absent
Move to amend the revenue to reflect the $1.6 million in Public Safety Funds from the General Assembly.
Passed 8 yes, 1 absent. Absent: Julia M. Pillsbury.
Move that $909,000 of the $1.6 million of the Public Safety Funds be used for the fire truck debt service.
Passed 8 yes, 1 absent. Absent: Julia M. Pillsbury.
Move for the remaining funds of the $690,000 Public Safety Funds to be applied to offset public safety expenses appropriately.
Passed 8 yes, 1 absent. Absent: Julia M. Pillsbury.
Move to eliminate the residential portion of the public safety fee and reduce the property tax to equal the remaining amount.
Passed 8 yes, 1 absent. Absent: Julia M. Pillsbury.
Move to recess and reconvene at 6:00 p.m. on May 20, 2026.
Passed 8 yes, 1 absent. Absent: Julia M. Pillsbury.
1. Agenda Amendment for Budget Discussion
Motion to open the floor for 10 minutes of discussion to allow council members to ask questions prior to the full budget presentation.
2. Adoption of Amended Agenda
Adoption of the amended agenda reflecting the preliminary discussion period.
3. Draft FY27 Budget Review and Revenue/Expenditure Considerations
Detailed review of the FY 2027 budget, including proposed public safety funding, fire truck debt service, utility and public safety fees, property tax rates, and Economic Development Fund allocations.
4. Recess of Special Council Meeting
Motion to recess and reconvene the special budget review meeting at 6:00 p.m. on May 20, 2026, followed by public comment.
9 in person, 1 absent.