Arden: How It Works
This is a brief guide to how government works in the Village of Arden, Delaware. A complete guide, including governing documents, town ordinances, and detailed committee descriptions is available from the Town Secretary upon request. Call 302 475-3516. Click here to see a list of those who serve the community and a description of their duties.
We have a “town meeting” form of government; decision-making power resides in the town meeting itself, rather than in elected representatives. The trustees and assessors also have specific powers and duties separate from the town meeting.
Town Meetings
Town meetings are held on the fourth Monday of January, March, June and September at 7:30 p.m. in the Gild Hall. You can vote if you are a resident over 18 years of age and have lived in Arden for 6 months. Town meetings are open to the public, but only residents may vote; leaseholders who are not also residents may not vote.
Standing Committees
The day-to-day tasks of running the village are handled by standing committees: these residents check the roads for potholes, prepare the budget, and serve the community in many ways. If you have never served on a committee, please consider it. The village needs your help to run smoothly and democratically.
Committees
Some committees (Auditing, Budget) meet at one season of the year, maybe for only a few meetings, and their task is done. Some are active year round (Civic, Buzz Ware Village Center). If you are a “hands-on” type, or an "idea" person, have a knowledge of road repair, or are a parent who wants to make sure our playgrounds are in good shape, there is a committee for you.
You can volunteer to run for a committee or get more information by contacting the committee chairperson. Some people may tell you that new people never get elected, but that is not true. New residents are welcome and encouraged to get involved. Elected or not, some committees such as Archives, Buzz Ware Village Center and Registration welcome volunteers.
Referendums
Two important elections are held each November: the Board of Assessors (see other side) and the Budget Referendum. Ballots are mailed to every eligible voter. The budget must be approved by a majority of all eligible voters, not just a simple majority of people who vote.
Revised October 2007
Arden | Ardentown | Ardencroft
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Sherwood Forest | Weed 'n' Walk
Buzz Ware Calendar | Arden Club Calendar
Arden Secretary: 302 475-3516
Ardentown Secretary: 302 475-7467
Ardencroft Secretary: 302 529-1774
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