Volusia Matters Podcast

EP 160 John Nicholson

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May 29 - legislature approved a $114.5 billion state budget…

Major allocations include K-12 Education ($21 B), Higher Education ($9.9 B), Healthcare spending ($49.2 B), environmental projects ($2.5 B), and Budget Reserves ($17 B). 

June 1-2 Special Session….Legislature adoptes measure for property tax relief Constitutional amendment….provides incremental increases of homestead exemption from $50,000 to $250,000 then $500,000

County CFO Ryan Ossowski told Council that Legislature’s property‑tax  changes — including a lower the non‑homestead assessment cap  and adding new supermajority voting rules for certain millage increases — could significantly reduce County revenue starting in 2027 if voters approve the amendment…..warned the cuts could create a $92.8 million  shortfall by 2028

City Meetings Update…..

June 3 - DB City Commission

  • (as CRA) had a frank conversation regarding homeless in the beachside tourist district…
  • approved a measure to expedite affordable housing applications and let accessory dwelling units qualify as affordable housing.

    • June 1 - Deltona City Commission appointed Davison Heriot as the City’s representative to Team Volusia’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors

    June 1 - Deland City Commission addressed several grant applications related to infrastructure at the Deland Airport

    June 1 - Edgewater City Council

    • created a new sign code.
    • applied for a $44,000 State grant to fund a Building/Planning Efficiency Fee Study to modernize its permitting process.
    • heard public comments regarding proposed City Charter amendments. Council will address at a later meeting.  

      • June 3 – DeBary City Council hired a consulting firm to prepare Non-Ad Valorem Fire Assessment Rate Study for the City

      June 9 – Orange City Council will conduct a workshop regarding concept a Fire Assessment Fee….

      June 2 - County Council….

      • hosted a 2nd public hearing/presentation on amendments to the County Charter (see pg 5 VM newsletter)
      • addressed how impact fees are charged for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
      • heard a 5-year financial forecast for the County's taxing funds as part of the FY2027 recommended budget development process.
      • appointed James Jones to their Contractor Licensing/Construction Appeals (CLCA) Bd

        • This week in Congress…

        • US Senate is debating a Republican-backed plan to spend about $70–72 billion on immigration enforcement and border security.
        • US House to take up 2 major funding bills…..1 funds agriculture, rural development, and FDA ……AND a bill that sets 2027 funding for FEMA, environmental and coastal projects, transportation and housing grants

          • New Chair of Federal Reserve Bd Kevin Warsh’s first policy meeting  will be June 16–17…… fed funds rate is currently 3.50%–3.75% Will they raise or pause or lower interest rates?

          Community Commentator John Nicholson discusses……

          • DB City Commissioners’ discussion regarding homeless in the beachside tourist district and surrounding neighborhoods
          • County CFO Ryan Ossowski’s presentation to Council regarding potential impact of proposed homestead property tax relief amendment on the Nov 3 ballot
          • proposed County Charter Adm 1 (selection of County Chair) and Adm 5 (creates a conservation lands registry whereby Council can "lock" specific properties to protect them from being sold or transferred)
            • ...more
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            Volusia Matters PodcastBy jimta