Mayor: Council raises, golf carts on the table for Lewes future

Someday, Lewes residents might be able to hop on the back of a golf cart to get around town.

The concept was inadvertently demonstrated recently when Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay toured the Fourth Street Preserve and Cedar Street flood gate project.

“How do we get her [between the two] quickly? Golf carts were the answer,” said Mayor Amy Marasco. “I can’t tell you how many people stopped us and asked, ‘How do I get tickets for that?’ I think there are going to be entrepreneur opportunities for businesses in town.”

She also said the former Rite Aid site and Army Reserve Center, both on Savannah Road, could be locations for future parking garages.

Marasco was responding to a question about the need for mobility and parking solutions, one of the many topics raised at a press conference, which was the format for the first Lewes 250 Shine A Light series.

The event was held Sept. 18 at the Lewes Public Library. 

The series is aimed at celebrating freedom of the press under the First Amendment and the Delaware Declaration of Rights of 1776.

“This is what participatory democracy looks like,” said Ron Collins, moderator of the event.

Marasco answered questions on the environment, economy and government process from Cape Gazette reporter Bill Shull, Coast TV news anchor Madeleine Overturf and members of the public.

With city council’s budget process beginning soon, Marasco said raising taxes and fees could be a possibility.

“Parking fees are on the table. Our property taxes are lower – we didn’t touch them last year – but that was Sussex County’s action. Our finances are very solid,” she said.

A proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget included doubling mayor and city council salaries. Currently, the Lewes mayor receives $4,000 per year, while each council member receives $3,000.

Responding to a question from Shull, she said raises are still on the table.

“Do we deserve a raise for what we do? 100%. If we can’t afford it? No. I’m looking at options that might not just be compensation in terms of salary, but it might be a stipend,” Marasco said.

Overturf asked Marasco for her assessment of how Lewes has done historically and currently with transparency.

“My view on transparency is, I will answer any question that anybody gives me, unless it’s a personnel issue that’s confidential. I believe past mayors have been very transparent, and they’ve been visionaries, as well,” Marasco said.

Marasco shared her vision to cement Lewes’ legacy for the next 250 years.

“We want to be the community that figured it out – environmental stewardship. We figured out the architectural, historical and cultural. We have a maritime presence and environmental resiliency,” she said. “Let’s get known for certain things that we really value, welcome our tourist friends and family in, and keep that high integrity. We are such a special community, and there’s no reason we can’t continue and now be known for it globally.”

Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Col. David Hall Chapter, attended the event dressed in colonial garb to recognize their participation in Lewes 250.

Barb Hedges-Goettl of the League of Women Voters spoke about her group’s efforts to get out the vote in the coming year.

Marasco said the city is planning several special events to mark the nation’s 250th birthday, including planting a Liberty Tree, a Tiptoe Through the Tulips walk and having a man on horseback come down Second Street to kick off a day to read aloud the Declaration of Independence.

Collins said Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, has committed to the next Shine A Light event. Collins said they hope to have Gov. Matt Meyer, Attorney General Kathy Jennings and members of Sussex County Council take part in other events throughout the next year.