By Glenn Rolfe

DAGSBORO — The cost to annex into the town of Dagsboro will increase, more than doubling in some instances on a sliding scale proposal that’s geared to put fees somewhat on par with most neighboring communities.

The proposal will be up for a public hearing at mayor and council’s June 20 meeting.

As presented May 16 by Kyle Gulbronson, the town’s AECOM consultant, the proposed annexation fees are:

• Less than 5 acres, $1,500.

• 5 to 9.99 acres, $3,000.

• 10-24.99 acres, $4,500.

• 25 or more acres, $6,000.

“When you do the math and actually go through the different categories, it turns out to be about $300 an acre for annexation. It is not a large amount. But at least that brings money into the town for improvements of the police department or water department,” said Mr. Gulbronson.

The costs for all professional fees are separate and not included in the annexation fee.

Currently, Dagsboro’s annexation fees for parcels zoned residential by Sussex County are $300 for 4.99 acres or less, $1,000 for 5 to 9.99 acres, $2,000 (plus all professional fees) for 10 to 24.99 acres, and $3,000 (plus all professional fees) for 25 acres or more.

At present, annexation fees for all other non-residential zoned parcels and parcels that are non-conforming uses in a residential district are $600 for 4.99 acres or less, $2,000 for 5 to 9.99 acres, $4,000 (plus professional fees) for 10 to 24.99 acres and $6,000 (plus professional fees) for 25 or more acres.

By comparison, the town of Ocean View’s annexation fees are $100 for up to one acre, $300 for one to 4.99 acres, $1,000 for 5 to 9.99 acres, $2,000 for 10 to 24.99 acres and $3,000 for 25 acres or more.

Millville’s annexation fee scale is $500 for up to one acre and $850 for one or more acres.

“I think it is in line with all surrounding towns except one,” said Mr. Gulbronson, noting the town of Millsboro’s fee is substantially higher.

The annexation fee serves as an impact fee, generating money that will “come directly to the town for the town’s use however they see fit to justify the annexation and then the impacts that affect that to the town,” said Mr. Gulbronson.

Dagsboro Town Manager Cindi Brought shared correspondence from councilman William Chandler III, who was unable to attend the May 16 meeting.

“He (Mr. Chandler) is good with it, and reminds everybody that if somebody has a hardship, they are more than welcome to come to the town council and discuss it, and we’ll work with them,” Ms. Brought said.