Sponsors: Robert Venables

The Bethel Town Council has extensively reviewed and proposed comprehensive revisions to its charter. This bill is the result of those efforts including public hearings and a resolution to send the proposed charter revisions to the Delaware General Assembly for approval. A summary of those revisions are as follows, the Charter bill: Updates, reorganizes and simplifies the election law and procedure including making it consistent with State law. Provides for a procedure to fill Council member vacancies which is defined. Establishes a six month statute of limitations for civil actions against the Town or Town Officials. Clarifies the President’s, Secretary’s and Treasurer’s role. Adds the Council’s authority to appoint committees, commissions and boards by a simple majority. Although the Town does not have an Alderman, inserts the Alderman charter language consistent with other Towns recently approved by the General Assembly. Although Bethel has no police force, clarifies the option to appoint one under the authority of Council. Makes their fiscal year consistent with the County’s. Specifies the audit procedure. Updates and limits the revenue authority. Re-establishes bond indebtedness limits to $25,000 with a required referendum. Allows property assessment to be consistent with the county. Simplifies the Town’s authority over streets, sidewalks and gutters.