- March 28, 2024
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The Volusia Council of Governments voted at their meeting on Oct. 13 to undergo a transformation that will save local taxpayers money but will leave the group without a staff of employees.
Effective Oct. 31, the group, made up of the county’s mayors and representatives of the Volusia County School Board and County Council, will meet in a monthly roundtable in a location provided by the county.
Previously, VCOG, along with the Volusia League of Cities, had a staff of three employees in a building on International Speedway Boulevard, with an annual budget of $200,000. The money came from membership fees paid by the cities and the county.
The ball started rolling toward reorganization when the city of Deltona, the largest city in the county, and the Volusia County Council decided to drop out of the organization. Their fees had made up a large part of the funding.
Mary Swiderski, the executive director of VCOG for nine years, said she is winding down the organization and then will look for a new job. She is helping one staffer find a job and the other has retired.
“I’m a person of great faith. I know the right thing will come along,” she said.
Swiderski points to many accomplishments, such as promoting smart growth; coordinating the development of the Volusia County Eco-Map, a plan for sustainable development; and the cooperation of 911 and fire services.
Her only regret is that VCOG never seemed to get publicity or credit for its contributions.
She feels good, however, about her work at the organization.
“There was not a day I left that I didn’t do my very best,” she said. “I gave them 100%.”
She said she thinks members of county government were not comfortable with VCOG, because VCOG would vote on policy, and then it would be up to county and city governments to implement it.
Ormond Beach Mayor Ed Kelley, the current chairman of VCOG, said the group has been effective and he expects it to continue to be.
It was instrumental in getting state laws passed a few years ago to fight the problem of prescription medical abuse by communicating problems to state officials.
“We’ll be able to discuss mutual problems and concerns, such as homelessness and transportation,” he said. Medical marijuana, if passed, will also be a common topic.
He said a new chairman will be elected when the group meets after Oct. 31.
Kelley said other topics discussed by VCOG have been the Mayor’s Health and Fitness Challenge and school safety.
“I’ve learned a lot from the other mayors,” Kelley said.
Before the decision to end VCOG, there was talk of merging with the Volusia League of Cities and calling it “Volusia League.” Ormond Beach City Commissioner Bill Partington was heading up the transition team.
The League of Cities is made up of all elected officials, and is education-oriented, often scheduling seminars and speakers. It also allows the officials to get to know each other and share ideas.
Partington said the dues will probably increase to make up for the loss of staff, but the league will continue the same functions.