SB 160

Abstract

This Act revises and improves the New Castle County Board of Assessment Review ("Board") by making revisions that are the result of practical lessons learned over the years of the Board's operation. The specific changes are as follows: 1. Increases the total number of Board members from 7 to 9 members, to increase the total pool of experienced subject matter experts on the Board and improve the already high quality of decisions made by the Board. 2. Revises the residency requirement for Board membership to encompass all of New Castle County instead of specific council districts, thereby increasing the pool of talented applicants who can be considered for selection to the Board. With this change, appointments can be made based upon the applicant’s competency and expertise without being limited by where the applicant resides in the County. 3. Decreases the term of appointments for Board members appointed or reappointed after enactment of this Act from 6 years to 4 years to encourage greater participation on the Board. The current 6 year term discourages potential applicants. 4. Removes the requirement regarding the length of terms for the original Board members because it is no longer necessary. The Board was established in 1953. 5. Changes references to the Department of Finance to accurately reflect the current organization and responsibilities of New Castle County departments. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.