Georgetown, Del., Oct. 16, 2007: For Sussex County property owners and residents behind on their taxes and fees, doing business with County government will be a little tougher.

Sussex County Council, at its Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, meeting, voted unanimously to adopt a “clean hands” ordinance that will now require residents and property owners applying for permits or other services to be current on their financial obligations to the County. The new ordinance takes effect immediately.

The ordinance requires applicants seeking County approvals, permits, licenses or other services to be current on property and capitation taxes, water/sewer connection and user fees, application fees and permit fees. Prior to the ordinance, applicants could apply for and receive building permits, variances, zoning approvals and other services, despite delinquencies.

County officials said the change is necessary to bring applicants into compliance, and to establish equity for all Sussex County property owners and residents.

“This comes down to a matter of fairness,” said County Administrator David B. Baker. “It is not right for someone who is in arrears to benefit from the very services their taxes and fees would help provide. Most of all, it is unfair to those County residents and property owners who have dutifully met their obligations.”