I ran for office to rein in spending for a town whose budget grew from $27.7 million to $43.8 million in the last four fiscal years. That's an increase of 58%. According to the official Consumer Price Index, inflation grew by 19.8% during the same period. We don't have a growing tax base, as there are a fixed number of properties within city limits – about 3,400 parcels. Unless the city plans to raise taxes and fees on property owners, business owners or visitors, the city needs to be vigilant about spending. Legal fees of $840,000 in the most recent fiscal year are troubling.
Legal counsel isn't required during public town meetings. I made a motion to dispense with legal counsel for a continuing discussion of the power of the planning commission versus the building inspector in large-scale commercial projects. No one else on the board of commissioners supported me. For the three-hour-and-50-minute hearing held Jan. 23, in attendance were two attorneys paid for by city taxpayers. One attorney never spoke; the other attorney provided a general overview of documents available on the agenda. The tab was $2,756 and $2,537 for the board of commissioners and planning commission, respectively, including travel time for both attorneys from New Castle County. There are no real guardrails on how the planning commission can demand attorneys and get approval. For the board of commissioners, having legal representation has become the default rather than a decision made based on actual need. Over $5,000 covered de facto babysitting services for the four-hour proceedings – with taxpayers on the hook.
Rehoboth needs to wean itself off burgeoning legal fees. The Tuesday, March 11 hearing in public session on the same topic is an opportunity to do exactly that. Although my February motion to dispense with attorneys failed, I will continue to work toward a reduction in legal counsel when their services add no value.
Legal fees and consulting fees for a small town like Rehoboth Beach can quickly amount to major spending. Consultants see Rehoboth as an easy target. My efforts to reduce consultant contracts have likewise encountered resistance. I am hopeful that one day soon, others will support my desire that Rehoboth Beach lives within its means.
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