During a recent city council meeting, concerns were raised regarding potential conflicts of interest involving newly elected Mayor Lance Stilter. A council member expressed hope that citizens would appreciate Stilter's contributions over time, despite lingering concerns about his past actions. However, the council member highlighted a significant issue: Stilter's involvement in collective bargaining discussions related to employee pensions while receiving his own pension from his previous role in the Port Orange Police Department.

The council member referenced a prior opinion from former city attorney Margaret Roberts, which permitted other council members to participate in pension boards while receiving pensions. They argued that this practice is inappropriate and called for a formal legal opinion from the current city attorney and the Florida attorney general's office regarding Stilter's role in pension-related matters.

To address the potential conflict, the council member suggested two solutions: either having Mayor Stilter recuse himself from discussions affecting collective bargaining on pensions or placing his pension in escrow during his tenure as mayor. They emphasized that these measures would ensure fair negotiations for current and future city employees who aspire to secure valuable pensions.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude for the opportunity to serve, underscoring the importance of transparency and ethical governance in local leadership.