By Brian Gilliland

MILTON — Making the case for a total property tax hike of $.549 per $100 assessed value covering operational expenses and new capital projects, Cape Henlopen schools are scheduled to host the second of three information sessions at Milton Elementary School at 6 p.m. on Monday.

The last meeting is expected on March 18 at Lewes Elementary School. The referendum is set for March 26 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Polling places include Cape Henlopen High School, Mariner Middle School and Rehoboth Elementary School.

The schools’ proposal is divided into two parts, with operational expenses taking up $.335 of the total increase to cover things like salaries and benefits. This portion of the expenses are collected in a 60-40 split with the state, according to the schools.

The capital expenses, coming from local taxpayers only, includes a $15 million property purchase of 102 acres, $21.5 million for a new district office, $6 million for a transportation maintenance facility, and about $36.1 million for an indoor swimming complex.

The total to taxpayers for these purchases is set at $.214 per $100 assessed. This, combined with an operating expense ask of $.335 becomes the $.549 increase.

Clearing these capital expenses will allow the district to pursue its top priority, expansion of the district’s only high school, Mr. Fulton said previously. Last year, the schools’ request to expand the high school was not approved by the state.

Mr. Fulton has said if this referendum does not pass, the district will likely come back with a different and more expensive total proposal next year, and if it does, the high school project will remain the top priority.

A question and answer period is expected to follow a presentation by school officials.

“Comments can also be sent to communications@cape.k12.de.us or by calling 302-645-6686,” Mr. Fulton said.

The last referendum the district held was in 2018. A planned 2020 vote was canceled due to the COVID pandemic. The previous referendum sought a 25-cent increase in the tax rate, according to Mr. Fulton.

Staff writer Brian Gilliland can be reached at 410-603-3737 or bg@iniusa.org.