Deltona City Commission Meeting - June 15, 2026

The Deltona City Commission met on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM for a public forum followed by a business meeting at 6:30 PM, adjourning at 8:12 PM. The meeting included a proclamation, a presentation from the Volusia County Hispanic Association, approval of a consent agenda, and a public hearing on first reading of ordinance No. 12-2026 to update impact fees. The impact fee ordinance passed 6-1 and moves to second reading on June 17, 2026.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: Approved by consent the minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting of June 1, 2026.
• Proclamations: Approved by consent three proclamations: Code Enforcement Week, Parks and Recreation Month, and Juneteenth Proclamation.
• The consent agenda passed unanimously (7-0) on a motion by Commissioner Heriot, seconded by Commissioner Nabicht.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alison Root (Executive Officer, VBIA) expressed concern that the extraordinary circumstances standard under Florida law may not have been met. She noted that the second required workshop is scheduled for June 17 (after this meeting) and questioned whether aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance qualify as extraordinary circumstances because impact fees are intended for growth-related capacity, not existing deficiencies.
• Unnamed Speaker (second public commenter) echoed concerns about the timing of workshops, questioned the disparity between law enforcement (low increase) and fire rescue (high increase), and asked why commercial transportation fees are decreasing while the city wants more commercial development, suggesting that shifts the burden to new residents.
• Kathy Bryan argued the projected population growth (15,000 over 25 years) seems too low given current inflows, worried that higher impact fees will be passed to homebuyers, and asked the city to cut budget "fat" before implementing large increases. She also questioned the change from square-footage to per-dwelling-unit fees for police and fire.
• Albert Bryan asked about the four-year review timeline and expressed concern about legal defensibility of fees exceeding 125% (the study proposes up to 469% in some categories), noting potential litigation costs.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation – Deltona High School Girls Flag Football: The commission recognized the team’s 20-1 season, district and regional championships, and state semifinalist title. Commissioner Santiago and school board member Ruben Cologne praised the team; the proclamation was read and presented.
• Presentation by Cassie Landron (President, Volusia County Hispanic Association): Ms. Landron highlighted the association’s 30 years of community service, including a back-to-school bash serving over 1,500 children, the Latin Arts and Music Festival, holiday events, winter jacket donations, and support for families in crisis. She requested the city sponsor the venue (The Center at Deltona) for their 30th anniversary gala on October 16, 2026. After discussion, the commission concurred (with the exception of Commissioner Santiago) to place the request on the next agenda for a formal decision. Commissioner Nabicht asked for specifics; staff will discuss with the city manager.
• Public Hearing – Ordinance No. 12-2026 (Impact Fees): Community Development Services Director introduced the item, and Shawn Ocasio (Raftelis Financial Consultants) presented the 2026 Impact Fee Study. Key points:
  • Recommended updates to police, fire, parks, transportation (renamed "Complete Streets"), and a new municipal impact fee.
  • Current combined single-family fee: $2,937.30; proposed fully calculated fee: $5,070 (73% increase).
  • Fire fee would increase from $234 equivalent to $1,086 per dwelling unit (364% increase), parks by 28%, police by about 143% (from $119 to $143).
  • Non-residential transportation fees would decrease due to high projected non-residential growth.
  • Extraordinary circumstances finding allows exceeding the 50% cap; staff proposed a two-year phase-in (option of four-year also discussed).
  • Commissioner Howington argued the last in-depth study was in 2007; extraordinary circumstances exist due to decades of under-collection, and that 4,000+ pending units would leave $8.5 million in infrastructure costs on existing residents if fees aren't raised.
  • Commissioner Santiago opposed the large increase, stating it would make homes unaffordable and that builders pass costs to buyers; he suggested a phase-in or lower amount.
  • Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez expressed concern for new residents but clarified no impact on existing residents; Commissioner Colwell questioned the reduction in commercial transportation fees.
  • City Attorney confirmed the process is legal: second workshop on June 17 comes before second reading (adoption) on same day, and extraordinary circumstances can be found by unanimous vote on second reading.
• Motion: Commissioner Howington moved to approve Ordinance 12-2026 for two-year implementation as written; seconded by Commissioner Nabicht. After debate, the motion carried 6-1 (Commissioner Santiago against), sending it to second reading.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance No. 12-2026 (Impact Fees): Approved on first reading by a vote of 6-1 (Colwell, Heriot, Howington, Nabicht, Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez, Mayor Avila in favor; Santiago opposed). The ordinance will proceed to second reading and adoption on June 17, 2026, after the second public workshop.
• Volusia County Hispanic Association Venue Request: Placed on the agenda for the next commission meeting for a final decision; staff to discuss funding with the city manager.
• City Manager Comments: Clarified that speakers do not have to state name/address (though helpful), encouraged residents to direct questions to staff, reported that the M114 armored carrier is en route to Deltona for display at Veterans Memorial Park, and wished Vice Mayor a happy birthday.
• Commissioner Comments: Vice Mayor thanked Post #255 and VEMA for Memorial Day events and reminded of Juneteenth event on June 20. Commissioner Nabicht supported adding at least one at-large commission seat (charter question), proposed a "Doc's Dashboard" for project updates, and announced work to purchase 40-acre ("the pit") and 70-acre parcels for a conservation corridor. Commissioner Howington requested a budget bridge for park project funds.