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Georgetown council authorizes police confiscated‑funds account; hears courthouse, bonding and meter updates
Summary
Council authorized opening a Fulton Bank account for police confiscated funds, received construction and bonding updates on the Sussex County court facility and police/public works projects, and approved several routine items by unanimous vote.
The Georgetown Town Council voted Jan. 27 to authorize the town manager to open a checking account at Fulton Bank to hold funds confiscated by the Georgetown Police Department; money unclaimed after 12 months will revert to the town, the council was told. The motion passed on a 5-0 voice vote.
Town Manager Jean DeMortic also briefed the council on multiple capital projects. She reported progress on the Sussex County Court facility — third‑floor drywall and soffits roughly 90–95% complete, ceiling grids at 50%, second‑floor drywall about 85% and first‑floor mechanical/electrical/plumbing at about 80%. DeMortic said the courthouse’s front canopy precast work continues and the clock tower will begin as weather permits.
On financing, DeMortic said the preliminary official statement for a bond issue was issued Jan. 23, pricing is scheduled for Jan. 29 and bond closing for Feb. 3. The town will open bids for a Public Works salt barn on Jan. 29 with an award planned for the Feb. 10 council meeting. DeMortic gave an update on the advanced metering program, saying 12 meters remained outstanding and listing a set of larger and smaller meter installations that remain on the installation schedule.
DeMortic also summarized recent legislation introduced in the General Assembly, identifying House Bill 100 (FY2026 budget), House Bill 101 (one‑time supplement), Senate Bill 30 (bond and capital improvements), Senate Bill 47 (National Day of Mourning) and Senate Bill 50 (mini bond bill), and noting the committees where the bills had been referred and the town’s neutral or supportive positions as appropriate.
During departmental reports, the chief of police (unnamed in the record) said the department is staffed with 19 sworn officers and four civilians, described two recent civilian hires (Chris Miller, hired Nov. 18 to assist with accreditation and evidence; and Anna Pilar, hired Jan. 6 to assist victim services), and reported the department’s successful reaccreditation Jan. 22. The chief also described a statewide hiring platform, JoinDelaware, intended to streamline background checks and reduce recruitment time.
Votes at a glance: the council accepted the Jan. 13 meeting minutes (motion moved by Council Member Eric; seconded by Council Member Tony) and approved an appointment (Chris LaCate) by roll call; both votes were recorded 5-0. The council also approved the public works agreement addendum for the Oaks development and the Fulton Bank confiscated‑funds account, both by 5-0 votes.
Ending: Council members asked no substantive follow‑up questions on the courthouse schedule or bond timing and moved on to the next agenda items; formal award decisions are scheduled for upcoming meetings.
