Economic Development Commission — 2026-05-27

At the May 27, 2026 Economic Development Commission meeting the agenda and April minutes were unanimously approved and the treasurer reported an EDC account balance of $8,269.24. County commissioners updated members on budget hearings, a 3% property tax decrease, and new moratoriums on sewer projects and data centers. Public Facilities Planner Steve Cohoon presented the county sewer moratorium (affecting developments needing more than 1,750 gallons per day), noted limited capacity (150,000 gallons remaining in the 3-million-gallon plant), and outlined task force recommendations for a 300,000-gallon re-rating capacity — 125,000 gallons reserved for Marlin Farms and Dominion, 25,000 gallons for failing septic systems, and 50,000 gallons split between commercial and residential — and a recommended 10,000-gallon daily cap on residential allocations that would restrict new housing. Cohoon and Director Heather Tinelli will share the current sewer allocation schedule and flow/reservation details with the EDC. Subcommittees will revise membership and produce a travel & tourism action plan by summer; liaison updates covered planning & zoning, Kent Narrows text amendments and events, Chamber activities (including a June 4 ribbon cutting), and Chesapeake College; the meeting adjourned at 10:36 am.