Council reviewed the second 2021 budget proposal and discussed strategies for eventually reducing use of the borough's savings, known as the fund balance, to zero over the next several years. Increasing property values and reducing police department spending were two of the main ideas put forth.
Ideas for reducing use of fund balance: In the latest budget proposal, the fund balance covers a $575,403 funding gap, representing 8.38% of the total budget. Borough Manager Mark Stivers suggested in the future, the best way to eliminate the need to dip into the fund balance is to increase revenue by increasing commercial and residential property values through community development. On the other hand, council President Heather Zink said the answer might be reducing police department spending, which accounts for $3.59 million — 52% of the borough's total general fund expenditures — in the latest budget proposal.
2021 budget proposal details: The 2021 budget proposal is for $6.86 million. The municipal millage rate is staying the same at 8.0, which means the tax bill for a property assessed at $100,000 would continue to be $800.
Georgetown- Delaware State Police are investigating a hit and run collision that seriously injured a pedestrian.
On November 7, 2020, at approximately 6:18 p.m., a vehicle was traveling eastbound on East Trap Pond Road, just west of Parker Road. The 41-year-old male victim of Columbia, PA, was walking eastbound in the westbound lane near the white fog line just east of the vehicle. As the vehicle approached the pedestrian, the vehicle entered into the westbound travel lane while attempting to pass another vehicle. While passing the other vehicle, the left front of the vehicle struck the pedestrian. The victim was airlifted to an area hospital in critical condition. The identity of the victim is pending notification to next of kin.
After the collision, the vehicle fled the scene. A possible vehicle description is a white 4-door Nissan Altima or similar model with Delaware Registration. The vehicle has left front damage and missing left side mirror.
The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours.
The crash is being investigated by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding the collision should contact Detective K. Argo by calling 302-703-3264. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com .
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.
