Council members press administration on property tax reassessment, EMS and water‑rate plans in FY26 budget discussion

Wilmington council members used the Committee of the Whole on March 24 to press for more detail and coordination on the mayor’s proposed FY26 budget, focusing on property tax reassessment impacts, proposed utility rate changes and planning for emergency medical services (EMS).

Council members said the most urgent item for many residents is recent property tax reassessments performed by New Castle County and how those assessments could translate into higher bills for homeowners, even if the city’s total property tax revenue remains flat. Councilwoman Willower described the reassessment as a “big” issue for residents and urged the city to seek third‑party verification of the county’s new assessment numbers before the city takes any taxing action.

At the meeting council members noted these points:

- Property tax assessments: Councilmembers said county reassessments are changing the distribution of tax burden between commercial and residential taxpayers. Willower cited the mayor’s budget projection that commercial properties would drop from paying 42% to 29% of property taxes while residential shares rise from 47% to 57%. She urged a fair‑value fact check and additional outreach to help homeowners appeal assessments.

- Utility rates: Staff reported that the mayor proposed water and sewer increases that are lower than a UCAB recommendation. Chief communications staff noted UCAB recommended a 9% water/sewer increase and 6.5% for stormwater, while the mayor’s proposal included a smaller water/sewer increase and a 6.5% stormwater increase; council asked for clarification and said they would scrutinize any proposed increases during budget hearings.

- EMS planning and budget detail: Councilmembers asked that the mayor and administration provide more specifics about EMS implementation, including capital equipment spending, recruitment and retention. Councilmember Johnson said the “devil is in the details” and flagged potential personnel and equipment costs and staffing challenges for fire and EMS services.

Council members also used the item to reiterate shared priorities identified in the mayor’s address, including neighborhood stabilization and avoiding a city‑wide property tax increase; several members said the mayor’s high‑level priorities matched council priorities but that the hearings will be where the specifics must be vetted.

Next steps

Council members asked staff to return with more detailed budget information during scheduled budget hearings, to coordinate with New Castle County and the mayor’s office on public outreach about reassessments and appeals, and to seek clarity on the water/sewer and stormwater rate proposals before any final action.

No formal budget votes were taken at the March 24 committee meeting; members emphasized that the discussion was preparatory and directed staff to provide more granular information during the upcoming budget hearing process.