The New Castle County Administrative-Finance Committee convened on July 22, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding tax assessments and community concerns. The meeting featured public comments highlighting the impact of recent tax hikes and the need for systemic reform.

The session began with a speaker emphasizing the importance of prioritizing racial and economic justice in tax policy. They urged county leaders to act swiftly to rectify existing inequities, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize the communities that define Wilmington.

Henry Miller, a resident, expressed frustration over the government's handling of tax reassessments, citing a lack of responsiveness to his appeals and suggesting that the county should have maintained consistent tax bills from the previous year. He advocated for allowing residents to pay taxes in monthly installments, arguing that this would alleviate financial burdens.

Carol Wright sought clarification on the contact information for county employees associated with Tyler Technologies, mistakenly believing they were external contractors. The committee clarified that these individuals were indeed county employees.

Omar Joseph, a local business owner, voiced concerns about the timing of the meeting, stating that it was too late to address the tax increases that had already been implemented. He criticized the county for not conducting reassessments for over 30 years, leading to sudden and significant tax increases for property owners. Joseph warned that these hikes could force landlords to raise rents or sell properties, ultimately harming tenants and the community.

As the meeting drew to a close, a committee member clarified that tax payments were not due until September 30, countering earlier claims. They also mentioned ongoing discussions about implementing a staged payment plan for those affected by the tax increases, acknowledging the additional costs this would impose on the county.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing these critical issues, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers the financial realities faced by residents and business owners alike.