Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in DeLand public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in taxes budget
Amendment 3 budget gap and FY 2027/28 revenue strategies
Voters passed Amendment 3, which raises the homestead exemption and caps non-homestead value growth — costing DeLand an estimated $5.2 million next fiscal year and $8.8 million the year after. The city has to find new revenue, cut services, or both to balance the budget. This meeting was the kickoff of that multi-meeting process.
General election results declared and Organizational Meeting set
Mayor Chris Cloudman, Commissioner Jessica Davis and Commissioner Kevin Reid were all elected without opposition in August, so no runoff was needed. They'll be sworn in for new four-year terms at the Organizational Meeting on November 17, 2026.
Fire prevention fee schedule revision
The Commission took up a resolution revising the fire prevention fee schedule — the charges the city collects for fire inspections and prevention services. Changes here can affect what businesses and property owners pay.
Downtown CRA funding priorities
The Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency Fund covers reinvestment in DeLand's historic downtown core. Its budget discussion shapes how much money flows to downtown improvements next year.
Mobile Home Park Rent Increase
Residents of the city-owned DeLand Municipal Mobile Home Park were facing a proposed $30 per month lot rent increase starting January 2027.
FY 2026-27 Millage Rate Set at 6.1841 Mills
The Commission approved the proposed millage ceiling for next year's budget — 2.70% above roll-back — citing uncertainty around the property tax ballot measure and a regional trend of holding or slightly raising rates.
Building Permit Fee Overhaul
A new state law forces cities to charge permit fees that match the actual cost of running the building department — DeLand rebuilt its fee schedule accordingly.
Street Lighting District Assessments
Blue Lake Woods and Glenwood Springs residents will see next fiscal year's street lighting assessments certified on the tax roll. Both were routine public-hearing adoptions.
Lien reductions on delinquent code cases
A resident asked the Commission to reduce a code enforcement lien on her property, describing ongoing enforcement issues. The request was heard but not acted on at the meeting.
Municipal Airport funding
The Municipal Airport Fund covers operations and improvements at DeLand's airport. Its budget review sets priorities for aviation facilities and services.
Spring Hill CRA funding priorities
The Spring Hill Community Redevelopment Area Fund directs reinvestment dollars into the Spring Hill neighborhood. Budget discussions set priorities for projects in that community.
Public Works funding
The Public Works Fund supports roads, facilities maintenance, and other core city services. Its budget review shapes the day-to-day services residents rely on.
Budget workshop scheduling
The FY 2026-2027 budget workshops hit scheduling conflicts, so the City Manager will set new evening dates and let the Commission know.
Solid waste rate increase
Your solid waste and recycling bill goes up 3% starting October 1 under the GFL contract's CPI adjustment clause. That's below the cap, but it's still a bump on a basic city service.
Homestead exemption ballot measure concerns
A resident raised worries about how the homestead exemption ballot measure could affect city services — a state-level issue with real local consequences.
Quarterly financial report through March 31, 2026
The finance department reported on the city's mid-year finances, with expenditures around 67 percent and property tax collections at 93 percent.
CDBG project request for FY 2026-2027
The city moved forward a Community Development Block Grant request for 2026-27, directing federal grant funds toward targeted areas of DeLand through Volusia County.