As mandated by Section 2602, Title 14, of the Delaware Code, the independent Tax Rate Review Committee for the Sussex Tech School District Board of Education met in 2013 to review a proposed increase in the district’s current expense tax ceiling (cap), taking into account projected enrollment, current operating expense requirements and the county’s taxable assessment.

Per Section 2602, Title 14, of Delaware Code, the purpose of the committee was to review the proposed tax rate increase and indicate whether or not the proposed tax rate is sufficient to meet the district’s reasonable operating requirements.

In its final report, the committee affirmed that the proposed tax rate increase is sufficient to meet required operating costs while satisfying enrollment growth. At no point in their report did the committee recommend a property tax increase nor was the purpose of the committee to recommend such an increase.

Sussex Tech School District Superintendent Allen Lathbury’s comments in Melissa Steele’s March 18 article titled “Proposed Tech tax increase raises questions” suggested the committee recommended that Sussex Tech needs to increase Sussex County property taxes to pay for operating expenses. This is incorrect and contradictory to what the committee’s final report states.

Ann S. Visalli

director of the Office of Management

Michael L. Morton

Budget Controller General