Committee forwards Millsboro resident's annexation request to full council

Gloria Duffy, a longtime Millsboro resident and the applicant, told the annexation committee she has lived at her property for more than 25 years and has experienced problems with an aging septic system, including a cracked cover and intermittent odors. She said county staff inspected the system and recommended annexation as the preferred long-term solution; replacing the pump or system, she said, could cost "7 or $8,000."

Committee members described annexation as a common remedy for homeowners with failing septic systems and explained the process if the committee recommended referral. The acting chair said the committee could forward the request to the full council, which would hold a public hearing and make the final decision. Committee members and staff noted the item would be placed on the council agenda for Aug. 3 at 6 p.m.; staff also said they would coordinate with the Office of State Planning and the county. A clerk noted the noticing deadline had been missed by one day, which affected scheduling.

Councilman Mack moved to refer the applicant's request to the full council for annexation into Millsboro; the motion was amended to specify annexation into Millsboro and was seconded by Councilman Marty Presley. The committee approved the referral by voice vote; the transcript records members saying "aye" and "motion carries," but the exact tally was not specified in the meeting record.

The committee did not adopt any binding annexation action itself; the referral sends the item to the full council, which will hold the public hearing and make the final determination. The applicant said she will attend the Aug. 3 public hearing.