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Laurel approves FY2027 budget, adopts two ordinances and backs CDBG application
Summary
Laurel9s Mayor & Council adopted the FY2027 budget 5-1, passed two ordinances on juvenile curfew and utility permits, and approved resolutions to pursue Sussex County CDBG funding and associated certifications. Councilman George Lodato dissented on the budget over transparency and reporting concerns.
The Town of Laurel9s Mayor & Council adopted the FY2027 budget on Monday, June 15, approving the spending plan on a 5-1 vote after a public hearing and staff presentations.
The vote came after Councilman George Lodato said the packet lacked prior-year budget-versus-actual information, raised concerns about limited public access to Budget Committee meetings, and questioned how certain revenues are classified in the town9s reporting. "You cannot run a town when you don't have current audited data," Lodato said, explaining why he opposed final passage. President of Council Chris Calio moved to adopt the budget and Councilwoman RogJenea Fisher seconded; the motion carried 5-1 with Lodato opposed and one council vacancy.
In the same meeting the council approved two ordinances. Ordinance 2026-2, which amends Chapter 69 to update juvenile curfew language and enforcement provisions, passed unanimously 6-0 on its second and final reading after Town Manager Jamie Smith summarized the changes. Ordinance 2026-3, amending Chapter 157 for permit, fee and notice provisions related to utility construction and repair, likewise passed 6-0 and was announced to take effect June 16, 2026.
Council also approved a package of CDBG-related actions following a Sussex County presentation on Community Development Block Grant funding. Brandon Hamilton of the Sussex Community Development Office told the council that HUD allocates roughly $3 million competitively to Kent and Sussex counties this grant year and described eligible activities including housing rehabilitation, sewer and water hookups, demolition and infrastructure. Hamilton said the program prioritizes owner-occupied housing rehabilitation and provided 2026 income limits (single-person $57,802; two-person $66,050; four-person $82,500).
The council unanimously approved the Citizen Participation Certificate of Assurance and Resolutions 2026-5 and 2026-6 to endorse the town9s CDBG application and authorize Sussex County Administrator Todd F. Lawson to submit the project to the Delaware State Housing Authority. Town Manager Smith said the town has received $390,000 over the past three years that assisted 26 households and that 18 homes remain on a waiting list; applications are available at the county office and online.
Other business approved included Resolution 2026-4 (FY2027 rates and fees) and appointments to the Board of Assessment (Ann Davis and Jeff Hill), both by unanimous votes. Several department reports were presented, including Public Works Director James Foskey9s update that the Transite Main Replacement on 8th Street is complete and that the N. Poplar water tower was temporarily offline for maintenance.
The council concluded the meeting after a range of announcements about Fourth of July events and community programming. The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
