Special City Commission Meeting
Special MeetingDeltona, FL · September 6, 2023
Minutes
City of Deltona
2345 Providence Blvd.
Deltona, FL 32725
Minutes
Special City Commission Meeting
Wednesday, September 6, 2023 6:30 PM Deltona Commission Chambers
1. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Avila.
2. ROLL CALL – CITY CLERK:
Present: 7 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez
Commissioner Burbank
Commissioner Colwell
Commissioner JodyLee
Commissioner McCool
Vice Mayor Bradford
Mayor Avila
3. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG:
4. BUSINESS:
A. Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2023-40, Adopting the Tentative Millage
Rate - Levy of Ad Valorem taxes for FY 2023/2024 - Mari Leisen, Finance
Director (386) 878-8553.
Strategic Goal: Fiscal Issues
Mayor Avila stated this is a public hearing to hear and consider comments and questions
regarding the City's tentative millage rate and proposed annual budget for the coming fiscal
year 2023/2024. The City of Deltona hereby proposes a tentative millage rate of 7.35. The
tentative millage rate reflects an 8.86% increase from the rolled-back rate of 6.7519 mills.
The tentative millage rate is higher than the rolled-back rate of 6.7519 in order to cover
increased operating costs.
The floor is now open to hear public comments and to take any questions from the public.
Nylon Morgan, Stephanie Cox, Carolyn Hickerson, Gloria Ford, Richard Bellach, and
Elizabeth Chavez addressed the City Commission.
Mayor Avila closed the public hearing.
City of Deltona Page 1 Printed on 10/3/2023
Special City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2023
The Commission discussed the millage rate, lowering the rate, proposed stormwater and
solid waste increases, projects, other taxing agencies, tax bills, insurance, covering
shortfalls, budget transfers, and rollback.
Motion by Vice Mayor Bradford, seconded by Commissioner
Avila-Vazquez, to adopt Resolution No. 2023-40. The Interim City
Manager has the authority to correct scrivener's errors and the like.
The Commission discussed the elderly, kicking the can, saving for next year, moving
forward, the previous millage rate, flooding, projects, property values, other taxing agencies,
Tallahassee, insurance previsions, the State, the budget, tax increases, tax bills, and
rollback.
The motion carried by the following vote:
For: 7 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner Burbank,
Commissioner Colwell, Commissioner JodyLee,
Commissioner McCool, Vice Mayor Bradford, and Mayor
Avila
The City Attorney read the title of Resolution No. 2023-40 for the record.
The City of Deltona has adopted a tentative millage rate of 7.35 mills for fiscal year
2023/2024. The tentative millage rate reflects an 8.86% increase from the rolled-back rate
of 6.7519 mills.
B. Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2023-41, Adopting the Tentative Annual
Budget - Annual Budget for FY 2023/2024 - Mari Leisen, Finance Director
(386) 878-8553.
Strategic Goal: Fiscal Issues
The proposed annual budget is summarized as follows: General Fund $85,311,006;
Special Revenue Funds $48,104,730; Enterprise Fund $60,959,686; Capital Project Funds
$15,934,963; and Total City-wide Budget $210,310,385.
The floor is now open to hear public comments and to take any questions from the public.
Elbert Bryan, Kathy Bryan and Elizabeth Chavez addressed the City Commission.
Mayor Avila closed the public hearing.
The Commission and staff discussed FEMA funds, the FEMA process, Federal declaration
of emergency, municipal complex transfers, purchasing land, the municipal complex fund,
transfers from General Fund, P&R storage, soccer repairs, clearing and brush removal,
purchasing land, emergency funds, reducing savings, budget amendments, changing
City of Deltona Page 2 Printed on 10/3/2023
Special City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2023
priorities, budget projections, voting down or rejecting items, being prudent with funds, the
budget online, State requirements, budget books, the TRIM process and compliance,
hurricane and disaster funds, restricted funds, Elkcam Blvd., stormwater mitigation, Solid
Waste and Stormwater funds, projects and maintenance, Abby Terrace, and a gym.
The City Attorney read the title of Resolution No. 2023-41 for the record.
Motion by Vice Mayor Bradford, seconded by Commissioner McCool, to
adopt Resolution No. 2023-41. The Interim City Manager has the
authority to correct scrivener's errors and the like. The motion carried
by the following vote:
For: 7 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner Burbank,
Commissioner Colwell, Commissioner JodyLee,
Commissioner McCool, Vice Mayor Bradford, and Mayor
Avila
C. Request approval of Resolution 2023-51 and Budget Amendment to
increase the economic development initiative account to fund the
reimbursement of taxes to Amazon for the Fiscal Year 2023 for a cost of
$86,000. - Mari Leisen, Finance Department (386) 878-8553.
Strategic Goal: Fiscal Issues
Finance Director Mari Leisen gave a brief explanation of the item.
Mayor Avila opened the public comments.
Adam Vazquez, Elizabeth Chavez, Brandy White, Stephanie Cox and Richard Bellach
addressed the City Commission.
Mayor Avila closed the public comments.
The Commission discussed Amazon, incentive packages, attracting businesses, and tax
dollars.
Motion by Commissioner JodyLee, seconded by Vice Mayor Bradford,
to approve Resolution 2023-51 and Budget Amendment to increase the
economic development initiative account to fund the reimbursement of
taxes to Amazon for the Fiscal Year 2023 at a cost of $86,000. The
Interim City Manager has the authority to make corrections of
scrivener's errors and the like. The motion carried by the following
vote:
City of Deltona Page 3 Printed on 10/3/2023
Special City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2023
For: 6 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner Burbank,
Commissioner Colwell, Commissioner JodyLee,
Commissioner McCool, and Vice Mayor Bradford
Against: 1 - Mayor Avila
D. Appointment of members to the City Manager Selection Committee -
Joyce Raftery, City Clerk (386) 878-8502.
Motion by Vice Mayor Bradford, seconded by Commissioner JodyLee,
to confirm the appointments of the following individuals to the City
Manager Selection Committee for terms to expire once the City
Commission selects a new City Manager: District 1: Chris Nabicht and
Courtney Hannon, District 2: Kathy Bryan and Tara D'Errico; District 3:
Rachel Amoroso and Edwin LaSanta; District 4: Troy Shimkus and Terry
Haines; District 5: Frank DeLisa and Carolyn Hickerson; District 6:
David Heriot and Jeff Fickes; and Mayor Avila: Larry French and Emma
Santiago. The motion carried by the following vote:
For: 7 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner Burbank,
Commissioner Colwell, Commissioner JodyLee,
Commissioner McCool, Vice Mayor Bradford, and Mayor
Avila
E. Appointment of staff to the City Manager Review Committee - Joyce
Raftery, City Clerk (386) 878-8502.
The Commission discussed staff's position, being a bad idea, staff choosing their boss,
staff being uncomfortable, staff's involvement in the process, the budget process, the
DeBary City Manager's recommendation, wanting feedback from everyone, not being
prudent, letting the Interim City manager decide, working relationships, and putting staff in a
precarious position.
Mayor Avila opened the public comments.
Richard Bellach and Elizabeth Chavez addressed the City Commission.
Mayor Avila closed the public comments.
Motion by Vice Mayor Bradford, seconded by Commissioner JodyLee,
to accept one staff recommendation by the Interim City Manager as a
liaison between the committee, staff, and the Commission. The motion
carried by the following vote:
City of Deltona Page 4 Printed on 10/3/2023
Special City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2023
For: 5 - Commissioner Burbank, Commissioner Colwell,
Commissioner JodyLee, Commissioner McCool, and Vice
Mayor Bradford
Against: 2 - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, and Mayor Avila
5. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
The Interim City Manager stated he has advertised for the Planning & Development
Director position and has received one to two applications to date. He is looking at the next
Regular Commission Meeting to have an item to contract with a consultant to fill in that
position to keep the City and projects moving. This is not permanent, it is temporary.
Second, he reminded everyone of the September 11th Executive Session at 4:00 p.m. and
the Workshop at 5:30 p.m.
6. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
______________________________
Santiago Avila, Jr., MAYOR
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joyce Raftery, CMC, MMC, CITY CLERK
City of Deltona Page 5 Printed on 10/3/2023
Agenda
City of Deltona
2345 Providence Blvd.
Deltona, FL 32725
Agenda
Special City Commission Meeting
Mayor Avila
Vice Mayor Bradford
Commissioner Avila-Vazquez
Commissioner Burbank
Commissioner Colwell
Commissioner JodyLee
Commissioner McCool
Wednesday, September 6, 2023 6:30 PM Deltona Commission Chambers
1. CALL TO ORDER:
2. ROLL CALL – CITY CLERK:
3. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG:
4. BUSINESS:
A. Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2023-40, Adopting the Tentative Millage Rate -
Levy of Ad Valorem taxes for FY 2023/2024 - Mari Leisen, Finance Director
(386) 878-8553.
Strategic Goal: Fiscal Issues
Background: State law requires that the City hold a public hearing on the tentative
budget and millage rate between 65 and 80 days from the date (July 1,
2023) of certification of taxable value provided by the Property
Appraiser. This hearing was publicized via the TRIM Notice mailed by
the County Property Appraiser on or about August 21, 2023.
At this hearing, the City will:
· First discuss the percentage increase in millage over the
rolled-back rate. The tentative millage rate of 7.3500 reflects 8.86%
increase from the rolled-back rate of 6.7519 mills.
· Adopt a tentative millage (Resolution No. 2023-40) and tentative
budget (Resolution No. 2023-41) by separate vote, and in that order
as required by State Law.
· Prior to adopting the millage-levy resolution, the name of the taxing
authority (City of Deltona, Florida), the rolled-back rate (6.7519),
and the percentage increase or decrease compared to the
rolled-back rate (8.86% increase), and the millage rate to be levied
City of Deltona Page 1 Printed on 8/30/2023
Special City Commission Meeting Agenda September 6, 2023
(7.3500) must be publicly announced. The tentative millage rate and
budget will be used to advertise the final budget scheduled for
September 18, 2023.
Upon approval of this item authorizes any and all necessary actions,
documents or budget transfers to facilitate Commission approval
and further authorizes the Interim City Manager to sign any
documents necessary to further Commission approval of this item.
Attachments: 2023-40 Reso - Tentative Millage Rate Sep 6 2023
B. Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2023-41, Adopting the Tentative Annual
Budget - Annual Budget for FY 2023/2024 - Mari Leisen, Finance Director (386)
878-8553.
Strategic Goal: Fiscal Issues
Background: State law requires that the City hold a public hearing on the tentative
budget and processed the millage rate between 65 and 80 days from
the date (July 1, 2023) of certification of taxable value provided by the
Property Appraiser. This hearing was publicized via the TRIM Notice
mailed by the County Property Appraiser on or about August 21, 2023.
At this hearing, the City:
· May amend the tentative budget and re-compute its tentative
millage rate, and publicly announce the percent, if any, by which the
recomputed tentative millage exceeds the rolled-back rate.
· Will adopt a tentative millage (Resolution No. 2023-40) and budget
(Resolution No. 2023-41), in that order.
· The adopted tentative millage and budget will be used to advertise
the final hearing scheduled for September 18, 2023.
Upon approval of this item authorizes any and all necessary actions,
documents or budget transfers to facilitate Commission approval
and further authorizes the Interim City Manager to sign any
documents necessary to further Commission approval of this item.
Attachments: 2023-41 Reso - Tentative Budget Sep 6 2023
FY23-24 Tentative Budget - Citywide Summary of Changes
C. Request approval of Resolution 2023-51 and Budget Amendment to increase
the economic development initiative account to fund the reimbursement of taxes
to Amazon for the Fiscal Year 2023 for a cost of $86,000. - Mari Leisen,
Finance Department (386) 878-8553.
Strategic Goal: Fiscal Issues
City of Deltona Page 2 Printed on 8/30/2023
Special City Commission Meeting Agenda September 6, 2023
Background: On December 16, 2019, the Commission approved Resolution Number
2019-68 and the Economic Development Agreement between the City
of Deltona and Amazon.com Services, LLC. Amazon invested
approximately $122,000,000 in the construction and equipping of a
warehouse, which resulted in new job creation. The agreement
provided for ad valorem tax reimbursement for both real property and
tangible property taxes to the company over a period of five years, for
an amount not to exceed the sum of $3,000,000.
As of December 31, 2022, Amazon has reported 1,631 jobs at the
project site, with an average wage of new employees of $33,850. The
estimate cost of benefits as a percentage of the average wage is 17%.
Amazon has provided community service activities as required in the
Economic Development Agreement and has paid $812,265.81 in real
and tangible property taxes for the year 2022. The budgeted funds for
the Amazon tax reimbursement is $727,000, a shortfall of $86,000. A
budget
amendment has been prepared to move $86,000 from General Fund
balance to reimburse Amazon in accordance with the terms of the
agreement. The Interim City Manager has the authority to make
corrections of scrivener’s errors and the like.
Attachments: MCO2_2022_Annual Survey and Jobs Report (2022 Performance Yr) - Signed
BA2023-075 Economic Development-Amazon
2023-51 Reso - BA 2023-075 Amazon Reimbursement
D. Appointment of members to the City Manager Selection Committee - Joyce
Raftery, City Clerk (386) 878-8502.
Background: At the Workshop held on August 21, 2023 the City Commission
decided to create a City Manager Selection Committee. Citizens who
were interested in being appointed were to send an email to the Mayor
and Commission for consideration. The City has advertised the
openings for the City Manager Selection Committee and requested that
all applications be submitted no later than end of day on Tuesday,
September 5, 2023. This item is so that each Commissioner and the
Mayor can appoint two citizen members to that Committee.
E. Appointment of staff to the City Manager Review Committee - Joyce Raftery,
City Clerk (386) 878-8502.
Background: At the Workshop held on August 21, 2023 the City Commission
decided to create a City Manager Review Committee made of City
staff. The Interim City Manager has selected staff members to be
appointed to the City Manager Review Committee for the City
Commission’s approval.
City of Deltona Page 3 Printed on 8/30/2023
Special City Commission Meeting Agenda September 6, 2023
5. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
6. ADJOURNMENT:
NOTE: If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission
with respect to any matter considered at this meeting or hearing, he/she will need
a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose he/she may need to ensure that
a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony
and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based (F.S. 286.0105).
Individuals with disabilities needing assistance to participate in any of these
proceedings should contact the City Manager in writing at
CityManager@deltonafl.gov or to Deltona City Hall, 2345 Providence Blvd.,
Deltona, FL 32725 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at which the person
wishes to attend. The City is not permitted to provide the use of human physical
assistance to physically handicapped persons in lieu of the construction or use of
ramps or other mechanical devices in order to comply with Florida law. If proper
accommodations for handicapped access cannot be made at a particular public
meeting venue pursuant to a timely written request under Section 286.26 F.S., the
City Manager shall change the venue of that meeting to a location where those
accommodations can be provided.
City of Deltona Page 4 Printed on 8/30/2023
Get email alerts for Deltona
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.