COUNCIL COMMITTEES

The Council Committees Meeting was held on September 28, 1998, at 6:30 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Leary, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Salters, Mr. Weller, and Mayor Hutchison.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mrs. Malone requested the deletion of agenda item #1 of the Parks and Recreation Committee, Reorganization Presentation - Greater Dover Arts Council.

Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.

LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Legislative and Finance Committee met with Councilman Salters presiding. Members present were Councilman Leary, Councilwoman Malone, Mr. Gorman and Mr. Merritt.

Proposed Ordinance Amendment - Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption - Section 2-3(b), Subsections (1) and (2)

As requested by Mr. Leary, the City Assessor, Mr. Lucas, provided information regarding senior citizen income limits and exemption amounts of neighboring tax jurisdictions. The City of Dover has previously followed those amounts as set by Kent County.

Mr. Leary noted that the ordinance regarding the Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption has not been updated since 1990. Members were provided an ordinance amendment to Section 2-3(b), Subsection (1) and (2), that would increase the yearly income limits and property tax exemption for senior citizens to correspond with Kent County. The current and proposed income limits (excluding Social Security) and exemptions are as follows:

                                                                              Income Limits

                                                                        Single                  Couple                 Exemption

                                           Current                $8,250                 $14,100               $18,000

                                           Proposed              $10,400               $18,000               $25,000

Mr. Leary stated that the amended figures are equal to an annualized increase of less than 3%.

Mr. Leary moved to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance amendment to Section 2- 3(b), Subsections (1) and (2) of the Dover Code (Attachment #1). The motion was seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.

Mr. Carey moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:38 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin Christiansen

                                                                                    Council President

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