History of the Levy Court
About Kent County Levy Court:
Kent County Levy Court is the governing body of Kent County, Delaware, comprised of seven elected Commissioners. Six Commissioners are elected from specific districts, while the seventh is elected at-large to represent the entire county. As the highest executive authority in Kent County, the Levy Court oversees daily governmental operations.
History of the Kent County Levy Court:
Established in 1655 during Dutch rule, the Levy Court originated from legislation requiring taxes on landowners in Delaware. Under William Penn's governance in 1683, Kent County was formally established within the Delaware Colony. Over centuries, the Levy Court's responsibilities expanded to include property assessment, infrastructure development, and public service provision. In 1793, the General Assembly permitted the election of Commissioners by the public. The Court's headquarters shifted to different locations until the construction of the Kent County Courthouse in 1870, The new Kent County Superior Courthouse, built in 1989 housed many Levy Court Services. As the community grew, so did Levy Court's mission to continue to address those needs. The Kent County Levy Court later moved to its current site and final home at 555 Bay Road in April, 2005.
The Kent County Levy Court Seal:
The official seal, adopted in 1971, features three ears of corn symbolizing Kent County's agricultural heritage, three circles representing Delaware's three counties, and a ribbon indicating the years 1683 (Kent County's establishment) and 1971 (seal adoption). In 1998, the ribbon was amended to read "Kent County – Est 1683" to avoid confusion with similarly named counties. Oak leaves in the original design were replaced with vines in the 2023 update to align with historical accuracy.
Adapting to Changing Times:
With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Levy Court prioritized digital government improvements. In 2023, the Court commissioned a redesign of the official seal by local artists Jim & Kate Shure to ensure digital compatibility and relevance. The updated seal, unveiled in October 2023, maintains the symbolism of the original design while incorporating modern elements and historical accuracy.
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