Smyrna approves capital amendment and hears April financial report; audit cost and tax correction noted
June 02, 2026 | Smyrna, Kent County, Delaware
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At its June 1 meeting, the Smyrna Town Council approved a capital budget amendment and received an April financial report from Finance Director Kathleen.
Kathleen asked the council to authorize paying cash for a Duck Creek cable replacement that had been approved in the 2026 capital budget but lacked funding, and to allocate $200,000 for engineering on a parking lot project on Fiser Street while staff pursue state construction funds. Councilors moved, seconded and approved the capital budget amendment.
In the April year-to-date report, Kathleen said the town’s general fund cash balance is $4,393,000; the rainy-day fund is $3.2 million and the capital reserve is $1.8 million. She noted an adjustment tied to an industrial tax waiver for KRM: the waiver was corrected and the town collected roughly $350,000 in payments. Kathleen also noted a $300,000 repayment related to library property that is recorded in other revenue.
Department snapshots showed water revenue of $791,000 (three months billed), sewer revenue of $1.1 million, and electric revenue of $4.5 million; debt-service and expense ratios were discussed for each department. Kathleen said some utility customers are past due and 45 tax accounts were referred to the town attorney for collection actions.
During public comment, resident Irene Strathesi asked about the cost of the town’s accelerated annual audit; Kathleen told the council that the accelerated audit cost $180,000, higher than typical because of additional work, including a water/sewer split.
Votes at a glance: the council approved the capital budget amendment and the appointment of Councilman Nick Miles as council treasurer; both motions were carried on voice votes during the meeting. Councilors also approved adoption of the published agenda and later voted to adjourn.
Council did not set timelines for the Duck Creek project or confirm state funding; Kathleen said the town will return if state funding is not secured.
Kathleen asked the council to authorize paying cash for a Duck Creek cable replacement that had been approved in the 2026 capital budget but lacked funding, and to allocate $200,000 for engineering on a parking lot project on Fiser Street while staff pursue state construction funds. Councilors moved, seconded and approved the capital budget amendment.
In the April year-to-date report, Kathleen said the town’s general fund cash balance is $4,393,000; the rainy-day fund is $3.2 million and the capital reserve is $1.8 million. She noted an adjustment tied to an industrial tax waiver for KRM: the waiver was corrected and the town collected roughly $350,000 in payments. Kathleen also noted a $300,000 repayment related to library property that is recorded in other revenue.
Department snapshots showed water revenue of $791,000 (three months billed), sewer revenue of $1.1 million, and electric revenue of $4.5 million; debt-service and expense ratios were discussed for each department. Kathleen said some utility customers are past due and 45 tax accounts were referred to the town attorney for collection actions.
During public comment, resident Irene Strathesi asked about the cost of the town’s accelerated annual audit; Kathleen told the council that the accelerated audit cost $180,000, higher than typical because of additional work, including a water/sewer split.
Votes at a glance: the council approved the capital budget amendment and the appointment of Councilman Nick Miles as council treasurer; both motions were carried on voice votes during the meeting. Councilors also approved adoption of the published agenda and later voted to adjourn.
Council did not set timelines for the Duck Creek project or confirm state funding; Kathleen said the town will return if state funding is not secured.
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