Senate Bill 253 Summary

• Reincorporates the Town of Magnolia by repealing and replacing its existing charter (Chapter 264, Volume 52 Laws of Delaware) with a comprehensive new municipal charter effective July 1, 2010.

• Removes unconstitutional provisions requiring council candidates to own property and eliminates the alderman position and annexation authority; also removes the town's sewer system operating authority.

• Increases short-term borrowing authority from $10,000 to $15,000 while decreasing total debt limit from 25% to 15% of assessed property values; changes annual tax limit from flat $20,000 to 2% of total assessed valuation.

• Adds comprehensive enumerated powers including authority to impose impact fees, grant licenses and franchises, regulate subdivision and land development, operate water and electric systems, and establishes procedures for emergency mayoral action and mid-term council vacancy filling.

• Modernizes election procedures to conform with Delaware Municipal Election laws, establishes one-year notice requirement before Town can be sued, and grants Town Clerk delinquent tax collection powers equivalent to Kent County Government's authority.