EP 166 John Nicholson

Fountainhead Innovation Center Update……Synergy CEO Jayson Mayer is offering a limited number of smaller office suites for businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations. There’ll also be event space for meetings, retreats, and training. Call 566-2140 if your organization would like a tour.

County Council, School Board, and the county's 16 cities are developing budgets/setting property tax rates for FY 2026-27. All must have their final budget/millage rates approved before the new fiscal year begins on October 1.

Look for Volusia Matters’ local government tax rate/budget chart coming to you next week

Preview of 3 Fla Constitutional Amendments……

The County launched a new interactive dashboard to show the work underway to reduce flood risks, improve drainage, and strengthen stormwater infrastructure throughout the county.

July 20 - Deltona City Commission

• voted down a proposed fire assessment proposal 7-0. It was based on recent Benesch Financial Consultants study….
• set a 6.49 mills TRIM rate despite staff recommending a 6.7 mills rate.
• addressed regulations including sidewalks and speed limits for scooters/e-bikes….
• approved a resolution to protect environmentally sensitive land and open space

July 21 - Port Orange City Council

• approved a Charter Adm to require proof of residency for at least 12 months for City Council candidates
• addressed Firefighters’ pensions to clarify 300 overtime hours being pensionable.
• announced they received $2 million in state funding for 2 infrastructure projects from the State budget.

July 21 - County Council

• approved FY 2026-27 Tourism Advertising Budgets
• addressed limits on how long people can serve on advisory boards/committees…
• took up amending regulated public participation during meetings

Team Volusia Economic Development Bd met on July 10

to review efforts to attract new businesses/support the expansion of existing employers updates on several active economic development projects, including confidential business recruitment prospects in the aerospace, advanced manufacturing and technology industries.

Issues before Congress this week…..

Regarding  the economy…inflation rate was 4.1% in May, 3.7% in June, 3.7% in mid-July and still above Fed’s 2% goal

Also regarding the economy, consumers owed about $1.25 trillion in credit card debt during the first 3 months of 2026, about $70 billion more than last year.  

REMINDER -

• Daytona Regional Chamber’s HobNob on July 28, 4-7 PM at ERAU…it’ll include Congressional, legislative, County Council, School Bd and numerous City commission/council seats AND it’ll include a straw vote
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NOTE - See Avalon Daytona Beach’ Press Release in July’s VM newsletter….pg 21

Interview - John Nicholson, Community Commentator discusses………

Local Government Budgets

Proposed Homestead Exemption Referendum (Const Adm)

Status of local housing

First Step Shelter