HB 318 Summary

• Simplifies municipal boundary updates and revises annexation procedures, allowing annexations without a vote when all property owners consent and no qualified residents object.

• Updates Town Council election procedures to align with Delaware Municipal Elections statute, establishes district representation alongside at-large seats, and requires redistricting review with each census.

• Expands Town powers to assess code compliance costs against property owners (including homeowner associations), authorize civil/criminal penalties, and include renewable energy facilities in municipal electric operations.

• Adjusts administrative deadlines and procedures including budget adoption (moved to first December meeting), audit reporting (changed to June 30), tax payment discount deadline (changed to July), and assessment appeals processes.

• Clarifies governance procedures for Town Manager appointment, Board of Elections duties, emergency mayoral powers, and delegation of bond issuance authority to the Mayor or Town Manager.