- April 26, 2024
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Volusia County’s Charter Review Commission submitted its final report to Volusia County Council members, and three public meetings must be held before the commission’s recommendations can be placed on the general election ballot in November.
The commission sent the most debated change, limiting the power of the Volusia Growth Management Commission, to the County Council for a vote rather than place it on the ballot.
The hearings will take place at 9:05 a.m. during the County Council meetings on July 7 and 21. There has already been one meeting on June 16.
The report includes three proposed amendments to the county’s Home Rule Charter:
— Modification of legislative procedures to conform to law and repeal of superseded or obsolete provisions. The commission removed outdated language and made sure all statements conformed to date law.
— Authorization for payment of in-county expenses of County Council members. Currently, the charter only allows payment for out-of-county expenses. The commission decided members incur many in-county expenses.
— Designation of the at-large County Council member as vice chair. Currently, the County Council elects a vice chair each year.
After the final public hearing, the County Council will adopt a resolution placing the proposed amendments on the ballot.
Changes to the Volusia Growth Management Commission were considered by a subcommittee. Critics said the VGMC had outgrown its original purpose, was stifling development and should be abolished. The VGMC suggested changes to their rules of procedure to address their concerns without abolishing the agency.
Rather than amend the Charter, the commission decided to change the rules of procedure with the VGMC suggestions, which would not require an amendment.
The changes include removal of citizen standing, so now only municipalities and the school district can file complaints. Also, the VGMC can no longer review projects of 10 acres or less. The County Council approved the changes in a unanimous vote.
To view the charter, commission report and minutes of the listening sessions and other meetings, visit volusia.org/charter-review.
For information, call Dona DeMarsh Butler at 736-5955 or Tammy Bong at 736-5934.
Along with an impasse in negotiations with the Volusia Teacher Organization, the Volusia County School Board is also at an impasse with Volusia Educational Support Association, which represents office specialists and support staff; and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which represents trades workers, such as bus drivers and cafeteria workers.
A magistrate has made recommendations in the disputes with VESA and AFSCME, and it will be up to the School Board to make final decisions.
An impasse hearing was held between the School Board and VTO, but an agreement was not reached and VTO has filed legal actions against the School Board.
The School Board has reported that both AFSCME and VESA have rejected a proposal for a minimum raise of 6.5% and a health subsidy of up to $500.
The unions have criticized capping the insurance subsidy at $500, saying it would cancel out wage increases. If union members select insurance plans with more than $500 premium, they would have to pay the difference.
Impasse hearings have been set for June 30 at DeLand High School. The VESA hearing will be at 9 a.m. and the AFSCME hearing will be at 1 p.m.
