Dewey commissioners approve $8 million budget

Dewey Beach commissioners voted unanimously Feb. 16 to pass a fiscal year 2025 budget that reflects recent increases to parking permit and meter rates, and includes funding toward the new town hall, set to break ground in September.

The budget, which runs from April 1 to March 1, shows revenues at $8.09 million, with $5.3 million in the general fund and $2.7 million in set-asides and grants. 

Expenses are $8.02 million, including projects paid for out of set-asides and grants, with a net income of just under $70,000.

The budget was passed early this year, which Accounting/Human Resources Manager Sheena Hall credited to the combined efforts and support of all department heads, commissioners and Town Manager Bill Zolper.

“The town is very lucky to have commissioners and a town manager who care about the town and its employees,” Hall said by email Feb. 22. “The commissioners and town manager lead by example and have brought all departments together to a point where it is one team and everyone working for the betterment of the town.”

Parking meter and permit revenues will generate $1.9 million for the town, up from $1.4 million last year, with $497,387 budgeted for seasonal permits, $880,085 for daily passes and $539,257 in parking meters. 

Parking ticket revenues are set at $301,500, up from $190,000 last year.

Accommodations tax is set at $750,000, down from $775,000 last year, and hotel tax is budgeted at $500,000, up from $450,000 last year, due to the tax rate going from 2.5% to 3%.

Transfer tax revenue is set at $500,000, the same as last year, and building permits are projected at $600,000, up from $550,000 last year.

Rental licenses are projected at $126,177, up from $119,375 last year, and commercial business license revenues are set at $396,649, up from $278,985 last year.

Total set-asides and grants are budgeted at $478,871, which includes $203,871 in the streets and infrastructure fund, $250,000 for capital improvements–town hall, and $25,000 in rainy day funds.

The budget includes $2 million set aside for the new town hall, which accompanies a $3 million state grant and $1 million from the county for the new EMS station.

A total of 91 seasonal employees have been budgeted for a total of $770,000 in wages and compensation. The town has budgeted 60 lifeguards at $455,000; 12 officers at $213,000; 15 parking ambassadors at $92,000; three dog ambassadors at $11,000; one maintenance employee at $11,000; and one town hall office staff member at $5,500.