Monthly Constituent Coffee Meeting with Rep. Richard Collins – July 10, 2025

⏰ Time: 9:00 AM

📍 Location: Plantation Lakes Northern Community Center

35020 Wright Way, Millsboro, DE

Join State Representative Richard Collins (District 41) for his monthly constituent coffee meeting, held on the second Thursday of every month. Enjoy free coffee, donuts, and good conversation as Rep. Collins shares updates on state issues and hears directly from local residents. All are welcome!

June 17 Meeting Recap

On June 17, about 30 people gathered with Rep. Collins to discuss pressing state matters.

Here are some highlights:

• Proposed Fee Increases:

  Two bills aimed at raising fees for state services were discussed:

  • House Bill 164 proposes increasing the motor vehicle document fee from 4.25% to 5.25%, which could add about $100 in fees per $10,000 vehicle purchase and generate roughly $39 million annually for DelDOT.

  
  

  • House Bill 175 targets multiple DNREC fees, expected to raise $7.2 million annually. Rep. Collins opposed both bills, citing concerns over accountability and efficiency, especially highlighting ongoing permit delays at DNREC.

• Limiting Local Authority:

Several bills proposing to restrict local decision-making authority were reviewed, including:

• Senate Bill 159, which would override Sussex County Council’s denial of an electricity substation permit for an offshore wind project.

  
  

• House Bill 119, which would transfer governance of public and school libraries from local to state control.

  
  

• Senate Bill 75, which limits counties’ authority over marijuana businesses.

  
  

• Senate Bill 87, mandating allowance of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in all local jurisdictions.

  
  

Rep. Collins opposes these measures, emphasizing that local residents should retain control over community decisions.

• Offshore Wind Farm Update:

  The future of a proposed offshore wind farm near Fenwick Island remains uncertain, especially after recent cancellations of major wind projects along the Northeast coast due to regulatory and financial hurdles. If built, electricity from this project would be purchased by Maryland ratepayers under an existing agreement.

Join us, enjoy some treats, and have your voice heard on the issues that matter.

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