Seven alleged delinquent taxpayers may find their names listed in the South Bethany newsletter in a couple of months if residents have their way. The town council listened during the Friday, Oct. 11 meeting to their constituents, who said it was not fair for those who owed nearly $2,000 in back taxes not to pay them.

Hugh Dolan, a property owner and retired federal administrative judge, told council it was simply an attempt to get the taxes paid by those "who have the money, but are taking out a loan at the town's expense."

"You are not entitled to privacy because you don't pay bills," he said when questioned about the legality of publishing the names.

After discussing the delinquent tax situation, council agreed to first place a warning in their newsletter that those who still owed the taxes, come the following month would read their names listed on the front page.

In other action, town council held the second reading of the new bulkheads ordinance that will update town law to include current materials and make the town's rule coincide with the state's regulation.

Council also held the first reading of an ordinance regarding the conduct of town employees, officers and council members. This ordinance was drafted with the assistance of Tempe Steen, town solicitor for South Bethany, according to Mayor Don Beck.

Wayne Stacey, town administrator, reported that town officials are receiving multiple returns from the nonbinding referendum, which asks property owners for their positions on changes to the town hall, finding a suitable location for propane storage tanks and dredging of Assawoman Canal.

He said these are the three major issues the council must deal with, and he is impressed with the responses. Stacey said well over half of the referendum ballots have been returned.

"We sent two [ballots] to Germany, and they were completed and returned within days," Stacey said.

The mayor and council members decided to use this process to get more input from the South Bethany property owners who are affected by these items.

At the end of the day Thursday, Oct. 31, the drop-off slot will be taped closed and no more ballots will be accepted, Stacey said.

On Friday, Nov. 1, under the watchful eye of election judges, the town staff will count the results of each vote, and those results will be posted no later than Monday, Nov. 4 at the town hall, he added.

South Bethany's next town meeting will be held Nov. 8.

Reach Roxann Moore at (302) 537-1881, ext. 108, or by e-mail at mailto:rmoore@smgpo.gannett.com

Originally published Wednesday, October 16, 2002