Tuesday, May 19, 2026, City Hall, City of Dover, Delaware
AI summary
The Dover City Council held a Special Meeting for the FY 2027 Budget Review on May 19, 2026. Council amended the agenda to permit initial budget questions and debated zero-balanced budgeting, personnel costs, and the Dover Police Academy. Council rejected a motion to transfer $1.6 million from the Economic Development Fund to the General Fund (2-6). Council unanimously approved incorporating $1.6 million in state Public Safety Funds, allocating $909,000 to fire truck debt service, applying the remainder to offset public safety expenses, and eliminating the residential portion of the proposed public safety fee while lowering the projected property tax increase. The meeting recessed to May 20, 2026.
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. 6 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain, 1 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 the 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. Adoption of Amended Agenda and Initial Budget Discussion
Council considered opening the floor for a 10-minute question-and-answer period regarding the budget review prior to the formal presentation.
2. FY 2027 Budget Review and Presentation
Staff presented the draft FY 2027 budget, covering department cuts, vehicle replacements, Dover Police Academy sustainability, utility rates, and revenue adjustments.
3. Transfer of Economic Development Funds to General Fund
Proposal to transfer approximately $1.6 million remaining in the Economic Development Fund into the General Fund to provide taxpayer relief.
4. Allocation of General Assembly Public Safety Funds and Fee Adjustments
Actions to recognize $1.6 million in state Public Safety Funds, allocate $909,000 for fire truck debt service, direct remaining funds to offset public safety expenses, eliminate the residential public safety fee, and reduce property taxes.
5. Community Enhancement Funds and Recess
Discussion on restoring $25,000 for Community Enhancement Funds, followed by a motion to recess the meeting until May 20, 2026, and public comment regarding juvenile crime.
9 in person, 1 absent.