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Seaford approves no-cost data-sharing deal with Sussex County for property assessments
Summary
Council authorized an intergovernmental agreement to receive Sussex County assessment data at no charge; staff warned the county provides data without warranty and future ordinance and charter updates would be required to shift Seaford tax assessments to county values.
City Manager explained an intergovernmental agreement that would allow Seaford to receive Sussex County property assessment data at no charge; the agreement sets permitted uses and contains standard indemnifications. Staff emphasized the county will not warranty the accuracy of the data and that the city would remain responsible for how the information is used and for hearing certain appeals on classification or process.
Councilmembers asked about potential savings and resident confusion if the city and county had previously used different values. The City Manager said using county assessments could reduce duplication and simplify appeals for residents but would still require future charter changes and a local ordinance; council approved the agreement unanimously. "The county shall provide the assessment data to the municipalities without charge," the manager noted from the agreement.
