Lewis: Let’s scrutinize Dover development fund

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAN E. LEWIS

City Council members have many responsibilities — mainly ensuring that the budget is managed correctly and responsibly, with accountability and transparency.”

Brian E. Lewis represents the 2nd District on Dover City Council.

As an elected representative of the city of Dover, I am writing to formally express my opposition to the proposed allocation of Economic Development Grant Funds recently requested by the People’s Community Center ($47,363 for a workforce development program that already exists through the Delaware Department of Labor) and by the Rail Haus ($50,000 for artificial turf for its outdoor beer garden and for HVAC upgrades.) While I fully support responsible growth and investment in our community, I believe these proposals do not represent the most prudent use of taxpayer resources at this time. To be transparent with the public, on Jan. 27, 2025, I did not vote in favor of Council Resolution No. 2024-15, which created these funds, because I believe City Council should be good stewards of the people’s tax dollars. Additionally, I felt the citizens of Dover should have had more input on this fund since it is public money.

City Council members have many responsibilities — mainly ensuring that the budget is managed correctly and responsibly, with accountability and transparency. There have been challenges with this over the past couple of years, and in our current economic climate, I do not want to put any burdens on our city residents by raising property taxes or fees that will impact those suffering from hardships, including our older adults.

My concerns are as follows:

1. Fiscal responsibility — Our city faces pressing needs in areas such as infrastructure, public safety, electricity and essential services. Redirecting funds from the sales of city properties into this Economic Development Grant Fund could limit our ability to address these priorities if there is a shortfall in the city budget. Previously, the money from the sale of these city properties went into the general fund, where they could be used to subsidize a shortfall or deficit in the city budget and prevent a property tax increase.
2. Return on investment — The projected economic benefits remain uncertain, and there is insufficient evidence to ensure that the community will see a measurable and equitable return.
3. Transparency and accountability — Before committing public funds (the citizens’ money), we must ensure that all agreements, performance benchmarks and oversight mechanisms are clearly defined and enforceable. (My question has remained unanswered by city staff: Who will be policing these funds the city is allocating and how?)

As we face unprecedented times and a city budget that could see painful cuts or potential tax and fee increases, we should look for possible waste and opportunities for revenue and savings. Further, I believe it is our duty to safeguard public resources and invest in initiatives that deliver clear, long-term benefits and savings to all residents.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.