The Sussex County Council convened on February 4, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including reports from the county administrator and discussions on significant infrastructure projects.

The meeting began with the county administrator's report, which included the Delaware State Police year-to-date activity report for November 2024. This report detailed the number of violent and property crime arrests, total traffic charges, DUI incidents, and vehicle crashes investigated. Notably, there were 195 troopers assigned to Sussex County during this period.

Following this, the council reviewed the substantial completion of the Hiegret Shores Phase 3 B construction project, effective January 28, as noted in the engineering department's fact sheet.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the assessment appeal process. Council member Jenny provided an update on the progress towards receiving assessment data from Tyler Technologies. She highlighted the completion of appointing members to the board of assessment review, as mandated by Delaware state code. Jenny requested the introduction of an ordinance that would empower the board to establish its own rules of procedure for handling assessment appeals. If introduced, a public hearing is scheduled for February 25, coinciding with the anticipated release of assessment data and a tax calculator for public use.

The council also discussed an ordinance proposed by County Engineer Mike Harmer, which seeks to authorize the issuance of up to $9,963,400 in general obligation bonds for a septic elimination project in Warwick Park, located in the Oak Orchard area. This project aims to design and construct a sewer collection system to connect to the county system, significantly reducing nitrogen pollution in the Indian River and Indian River Bay. The project has received funding approval from the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund, which includes a substantial principal forgiveness component upon completion.

The meeting concluded with the council's acknowledgment of the importance of these initiatives for the community, particularly in enhancing public safety and environmental health. Further discussions and decisions are expected in the upcoming meetings as the council continues to address these pressing issues.