Developed land results in more tax revenue

Vivian A.Fisher

September 11, 2026

Event Date:

Tue, 09/08/2026 - 12:01 pm

After reviewing my Sussex County tax bills, I've come to understand why the county doesn't try harder to retain open space or farm ground.

The county can rake in $900 per house lot as opposed to agricultural land rate.

And, no, I'm not suggesting the county financially cripple the farm owners. I'm just hoping the marketing campaign of inviting more to come will be reduced.

It irks me that developers tout the bike trails as an amenity for their community living. They will line their pockets and move to the next lucrative deal, leaving the residents to living however the chips land.

How much is enough?

Editor's note: All Sussex County land is assessed a flat property tax rate of $0.0214 per $100 of the assessed property value; however, under the state's Farmland Assessment Program, land actively used for agricultural, horticultural or forestry purposes is assessed at its agricultural use value rather than its higher development or market value.

Vivian A.Fisher
Rehoboth Beach

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