LAUREL, Del. - Laurel property owners can expect larger bills in the future. The town will have an increase in real estate taxes of 30 percent, effective Oct. 1. Water rates will also go up.
The Town of Laurel's fiscal year 2024 budget was approved in June. In its fall newsletter, the town said it is continuing to see an increase of construction of new homes. The planning and zoning committee has recently approved multiple preliminary site plans, including one for the construction of a 400-unit residential development.
In part because of this, the town says it is facing increasing operation costs, like a 5 percent increase in health insurance, a 25 percent increase in the cost of electricity, an increase in water tower maintenance and expenses for reacting to a federal mandate of lead and copper testing for privately owned properties.
The town has also said that increases in the budget will allow for the hiring of two more police officers, increasing the total on staff to 21.
Tax bills were mailed to property owners in late August, according to the town. A 1 percent discount is available if taxes are paid in full before Sept. 30. If not received by Nov. 30, a penalty of 5 percent per month will be added.
Other Sussex County towns have been discussing tax bill changes, as well, with Milton recently announcing a 9 percent increase and Dewey Beach, on the other hand, saying that it will remain property tax-free.