VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — After three hours of intense debate and discussion, the Volusia County Council passed a $1.7 billion budget, down from $1.8 billion, which leaders proposed earlier this month.
$299 million will be used for transportation and public works projects. $254 million is allocated toward public safety.
Volusia Sheriff’s Office will receive $150 million, up $5 million from the previous year. Sheriff Mike Chitwood initially asked for a $9 million increase, putting him at odds with County Chair Jeff Brower, who opposed the increase.
The Council voted for a measure that would roll back the millage rate and pull money from the general fund to ensure Chitwood’s budget would not be cut. Brower voted to adopt the budget proposal.
“That makes it look like you’re against law enforcement,” said Brower. “I’m not. I’m just against defunding all of our residents for a budget that’s out of control.”
Chitwood said Brower never mentioned anything about his budget prior to the vote. “The county comes in and gives me parameters to budget,” he said. “We meet at least two dozen times with the county about my budget. Not one word was mentioned about a cut.”
More than a dozen people spoke during public comment in favor of the council making more cuts and rolling back the millage rate. Officials said that the rollback will likely raise property taxes for some Volusia County homeowners.
“I’m really afraid that the public is going to look at this and say ‘These guys didn’t really do their job,’ said Brower. “And so, they vote for Amendment Three next year.”
Amendment 3 would raise the homestead exemption for 60% of Floridians. Local government leaders have said the measure would result in a loss of millions of dollars in property tax revenue.
Volusia County could lose about $92 million dollars annually if this measure passes, officials said.
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