(a) After the closing of the hearings, the settlement of all appeals, and the adjustment of the assessment lists, each board of assessment shall ascertain the total of the assessed valuation of its county and certify the same to the county governing body as a basis on which the governing body may estimate and fix the tax rate. In New Castle County, Kent County or Sussex County the Board of Assessment Review shall certify the total of the assessed valuation to the county government through the Department of Finance.
(b) The certification in Kent County shall be by May 1.