City of Rehoboth Beach Charter Changes: What You Need to Know

April 9, 2026

On Monday, April 6, at the City of Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners Meeting, proposed charter changes that have been under discussion for more than a year, with two clarifications, were approved and will be sent to the Delaware General Assembly for approval.  

What You Need to Know:

Nothing in these changes increases property taxes.

Any changes in taxes or tax rates will be subject to further discussion, public comment at public meetings, and a vote of the Mayor and Commissioners.

The change to the cap on property value, from a fixed dollar amount to a percentage of total property value in the city (not individual assessments) will allow the city to ensure that the three new approved hotels and 31 new homes at Oceanside Reserve (the old Baymart property) as well as new homes being built at a much higher property value than recently demolished older homes will all pay their fair share of taxes. The City issued 34 demolition permits in 2025, with an average of 28 demolition permits per year over the last 10 years.

Nothing in these changes will increase spending. Decisions on city revenue and expenditures are made as a part of the city budget. The FY 2027 budget was the subject of 5 public meetings (January 16, February 9, February 20, March 9, and March 20) and passed at our meeting on March 20.

The charter changes that passed on April 6 were the same charter changes previously shared, with the following change: 

1.  In the section regarding the qualifications of a Commissioner,  that would prohibit spouses/significant others and persons with a shared financial interest in serving simultaneously on the Board, the definition of financial interest was amended to read “means a material interest, legal share, or right in property in the City of Rehoboth Beach.” 
2. In addition, we voted to remove the prohibition against someone who just lives with a serving member of the Commissioners.  The candidate cannot be a spouse or a significant other, but could be an individual residing in their house.  

There have been accusations made regarding lack of public input and proper notice that we want to clear up. The changes proposed to the Charter have been under discussion in public meetings for well over a year. There have been multiple opportunities for public comment, and we have received many letters, oral comments in meetings and other communications.