[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6353101,"mediaKeyId","2221735-9c8d90e7d1176aa6cf0241816baccac2","parentId",2221735,"title","Sheriff highlights 2024 accreditation, crime‑clearance gains and falling overdoses; deputy finance director outlines budget schedule","audioSeconds",778,"startMs",882000,"endMs",1660000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2221735-9c8d90e7d1176aa6cf0241816baccac2&start=882&end=1660","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2221735-9c8d90e7d1176aa6cf0241816baccac2/thumbnail_882000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6353101/Deltona/Volusia-County/Florida/Sheriff-highlights-2024-accreditation-crimeclearance-gains-and-falling-overdoses-deputy-finance-director-outlines-budget-schedule","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353101-004b983ed44d4282ac82128883819576/orig.mp4?Expires=1775407797&Signature=F9KJq3m1Lbubcvv373IbWiJvtWGmjStDzqtrdBzJqoMmb2FdUvby8w-hFgwowi79O-h4VJ7F-ghOa9-ggARi8jPOtAZDJsCxUrZ9LMuGK1G1C79rUSzzU1KDpWFAYaIhcou4mmlXXyEBqa-E62AWS3aeutnt7sdME~6O8uytDScN34NihMEdBNw4wCj1LXaCYWcKBriQ0X~WRAX5V-rROL~J0Y6c17mCBy4CWBjJPgRNanwCpD2RmaNtXdSRjQhBaQ6t3Vqnl1tss0B6o9TFHe8kbi5YG24HnYG~JOGMxolQGNG3lcH5eacxYbDw3tMCBRlYgRgHah1m-IR2InzLIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Deltona, FL","date","2025-02-04T13:31:05Z","article","Sheriff Chitwood and Deltona‑contracted deputies reviewed public safety outcomes for 2024 and highlighted several operational changes, while Deputy Finance Director John McKinney briefed the commission on the city’s upcoming budget process and TRIM deadlines.

Sheriff’s presentation: Sheriff Chitwood said the sheriff’s office has 86 sworn members contracted to protect Deltona and described two training academy graduations in 2024 producing 25 new deputies. The agency achieved a tri‑arc accreditation (law enforcement, communications, and training), a designation the sheriff said only 36 agencies worldwide hold and only the third in the state of Florida.

Chitwood explained a statewide/national shift to NIBRS (National Incident Based Reporting System) reporting, which records multiple related offenses per incident and can make crime counts appear higher than the prior UCR summary format. For Deltona in 2024 the sheriff reported a Group A clearance rate of 76.72 percent — about 35 percentage points above a cited national average figure for earlier periods.

The sheriff described operations launched during the year, including an overdose task force he said targets dealers; he reported an approximate 37.5 percent reduction in overdose deaths and a 43.9 percent decrease in nonfatal overdoses compared with prior reporting periods. The Deltona narcotics unit completed 13 search warrants, seizing 11 firearms, and the financial crimes unit (staffed in September 2024) had 17 assigned cases from Deltona, two arrests and nearly $500,000 recovered in alleged losses.

Traffic enforcement and neighborhood engagement were also addressed. The sheriff noted 19,178 traffic stops (patrol total presented) with 9,167 citations from patrol. The office encouraged public participation in monthly public CompStat meetings to discuss trends and operations; Deltona hosts the meeting roughly three times per year.

Budget overview: John McKinney, Deputy Finance Director, summarized the city’s budget development process and calendar, highlighting five components: budget development, zero‑based budget review, requested enhancements, Florida property tax/TRIM rules, and time frame. McKinney emphasized personnel costs, indirect cost allocation, debt service, capital improvement planning, and leveraging state and federal grants for capital projects or reimbursable positions.

He reviewed key TRIM deadlines: the commission sets the maximum millage in July and must hold two public hearings in September — one to adopt the tentative millage and budget and a second to adopt the final millage and budget before certifying the budget. McKinney described the distinction between ad valorem (above‑the‑line) taxes and non‑ad valorem (below‑the‑line) assessments and noted capital outlay policy (assets >$5,000, life expectancy >1 year) and a five‑year capital improvement program.

Why it matters: The sheriff’s accreditation and reported clearance rates are metrics the commission can use to assess public safety contract performance. The budget calendar and TRIM requirements set the timeline for the commission to consider millage and budget decisions that affect city services.

What’s next: The sheriff invited residents to CompStat public meetings and department leaders to continue coordination with the commission. Finance staff will return with preliminary taxable values, requested enhancements, and draft budgets in the coming months.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Commission Meeting -February 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Volusia County Sheriff's Office officials reported a 2024 improvement in clearance rates, accreditation milestones, and a decline in overdoses in Deltona; the Deputy Finance Director outlined the city's budget calendar, TRIM deadlines and capital planning basics.","taxTitle","Deltona, Volusia County, Florida","taxId",4876,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6353108,"Deltona commission raises firefighter DROP eligibility age to 65 in unanimous vote",136,2780000,2916000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2221735-9c8d90e7d1176aa6cf0241816baccac2&start=2780&end=2916","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2221735-9c8d90e7d1176aa6cf0241816baccac2/thumbnail_2780000.jpg","/articles/6353108/Deltona/Volusia-County/Florida/Deltona-commission-raises-firefighter-DROP-eligibility-age-to-65-in-unanimous-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353108-18845e92b3bef74cada417567fc5da07/orig.mp4?Expires=1775407796&Signature=LOTsVEH6kOkiGqFJE2ONojOlUacpqTisbwSJKAmGi46B0HGlg4Kj8FTLmFbcWb-UXTveVcTSov6bxB5QPOEb5lKMhoG9~6ic4fBjzxhFl3FPK6lB2n4YZxSegIJH42cn-g54YiZJGix-JfJJX9H7qhrs4QsqAEvgpolnIDS8dPVq3Mtk6-D1nCGqMYrCk9UVoRzL8UVMr15n6gd2L2Gkwoe56QURG-CrdgbAesvlyVWdj0Juex5pv53tGWY2uYTikcTlmqDqPMtC8MCxXIy7j-vKGkMoroQ4UDOJOwVnPhbDe0tAx~kQytx1HutWPQgMQUavSKSlRd6X70NlKPn~4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Deltona City Commission unanimously approved Ordinance No. 082025 on second reading to increase the age limit for participation in the Firefighters’ Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) from 60 to 65 years of age.

The motion to approve the ordinance was made and seconded during the meeting; the clerk recorded the vote as 5‑0. The ordinance, read in title, amends Chapter 46, Article 2 of the City Code to revise Section 46‑654 (Deferred Retirement Option Plan) to extend the age limit for DROP participation to 65, and includes standard provisions for codification, severability, repeal of conflicting ordinances, and an effective date.

During public comment Terri Ellis asked whether financial impacts and the pros and cons of the change had been analyzed and presented. Staff responded that the topic had been discussed at the first reading at a previous meeting. No further public testimony was offered and the commission moved to a vote.

What this means: Eligible firefighters will be able to enter DROP at an older age under the revised code text; the ordinance modifies plan eligibility but the meeting record does not include additional actuarial figures in the public record for the second reading. A resident’s question about financial effects was noted and staff referenced discussion at first reading.

What’s next: The ordinance includes an effective date and is codified into the city code; staff and the pension plan administrator would follow up on any implementation steps required by the pension plan and state reporting requirements.","The commission approved an ordinance to raise the deferred retirement option plan (DROP) age from 60 to 65 for the city firefighter pension plan on second reading, 5‑0. A resident asked about the financial analysis; staff said it was discussed at first reading.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6353113,"Deltona extends zoning‑in‑progress, advances PUD amendments after developer and resident comments",868,2942000,3810000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2221735-9c8d90e7d1176aa6cf0241816baccac2&start=2942&end=3810","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2221735-9c8d90e7d1176aa6cf0241816baccac2/thumbnail_2942000.jpg","/articles/6353113/Deltona/Volusia-County/Florida/Deltona-extends-zoninginprogress-advances-PUD-amendments-after-developer-and-resident-comments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353113-5200c41d716b56193dbc1c1f3ed550e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775407796&Signature=nEx2PC3YZ2Br1XVx~tI3hd2cD0CblCDvsvKhd2wXM5WGlf4k6Ehub4w0xUhs8OJ2rQp~lC0wiu05vPgtizp~I-QYgT-78p~UyWjObJUkF6Vf3bZPjwr-bZ86TrzF9iHHQv8ereDxXMZ~Axpz9fxotxPCiBpZcTdYjJN2mvDLX9Yb7R58~if3xKY8d~ariIGvigilNQl9IRC1sXOnhH90fWqgpGbRLk4O4tzk7W4cqYxdNyjOwBMzBetwRctr1erbVCzLLn0BTt7SAfyCmjK-GTL~OKTW5T2wq0PpA4tZhk4yMDqHClbrJ66JzYh5dkh-VdfYLyZKgOegXDCd1JyXCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Deltona City Commission approved, on first reading, an ordinance to update Planned Unit Development (PUD) application requirements and voted to continue a zoning‑in‑progress status that keeps pending development applications subject to the proposed code changes. Both the first reading of Ordinance No. 052025 and the resolution extending the zoning‑in‑progress passed on recorded votes of 5‑0.

The ordinance’s title, read into the record, described changes to section 110‑319 of the land development code to “include enhanced architectural, landscaping, and environmental standards” for planned unit developments. After the title was read, the commission opened the item for public comment.

Kim Booker of Booker & Associates, speaking on behalf of Blackfin Acquisitions LLC, told the commission her client had a current application for a self‑storage and RV/boat storage facility and raised concerns that the draft PUD language and the zoning‑in‑progress notice did not give adequate notice to applicants. Booker said the draft language appeared to exclude storage facilities from mixed PUD classifications and that sequencing requirements in the draft could force commercial uses to be developed before residential uses — a sequence she said is at odds with market realities for many projects.

Other residents expressed differing views. Elise Drozek urged the commission to maintain the new protections, arguing developers had previously benefited from lax rules and that the city needed stronger standards. Former Commissioner Dana McCool praised staff and the city attorney for pursuing tighter protections and warned against changing rules mid‑stream without careful notice to applicants.

After public comment the commission voted to continue the zoning‑in‑progress and to approve the PUD amendments at first reading. The commission also deferred one related item (Item 8B) to the Feb. 17 meeting as noted on the record.

Why it matters: The changes to the PUD section and the decision to keep applications subject to zoning‑in‑progress affect current development approvals and will shape future site plans, architecture, landscape, and environmental review standards. Developers with active applications told the commission the changes could impose unexpected requirements and asked for clearer notice and transitional rules; other speakers urged stricter standards to protect residents and community character.

What’s next: Staff will continue work on the land development code amendments and the commission will consider related items at future meetings. Because the zoning‑in‑progress remains in effect, pending development applications may be reviewed under the new standards if those standards are adopted after public hearings.","The Deltona City Commission advanced an ordinance updating Planned Unit Development application standards and approved a resolution continuing ‘zoning in progress’ status to allow further refinement of land development code changes after developers and residents raised notice and economic concerns.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6353117,"Deltona commissioners vote to place mayor travel dispute on Feb. 17 agenda; suspend city vehicle pending hearing",2323,2652000,4975000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2221735-9c8d90e7d1176aa6cf0241816baccac2&start=2652&end=4975","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2221735-9c8d90e7d1176aa6cf0241816baccac2/thumbnail_2652000.jpg","/articles/6353117/Deltona/Volusia-County/Florida/Deltona-commissioners-vote-to-place-mayor-travel-dispute-on-Feb-17-agenda-suspend-city-vehicle-pending-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353117-bcfd44b8eeb4dd669eb2e41f3e6997dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1775407796&Signature=kuJ6vWuv8BSoGRkyy2dsxxCYfPTAWVt2WB4WZDyQifqSSIUCSGM9i9y6efq7ZtdsdhLG-hAHaPO2V0Pew9Ny722WAVLpulGBhkBjUe6C3vyel2FZAVDl~NSlHrIz74Uxy~YpYNKZ24mplbfOq~CVuISJxX3jO0VIuxriYDMfVZv-K40RS3eTLK4tqj88BBuKgdcK52yR5wDbrP8zozOqVwCi9lQc~-5miV8ncVQ9PDdjXUgpJ3LaNuPNntXA7Eq4OHXqTg9J1d2TGpF~zZY1tf~-ZD53gOXD3KeGf8~jyJqtl6pfc5b4ECGK3gGF-Lm27t~NbRABW782dDGICXCjqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Deltona City Commission voted to place a formal review of the mayor’s out‑of‑state travel on the Feb. 17 agenda and voted to suspend the mayor’s use of a city vehicle pending the outcome of that hearing. The commission’s vote to put a censure/violation hearing on the calendar was recorded as five‑zero; a later motion to suspend the mayor’s use of a city vehicle and any city funds tied to travel was approved four‑to‑one.

The matter began during commissioner comments when a request was raised to discuss the mayor’s recent travel to Washington, D.C., and to determine whether the trip had complied with the city’s travel policies. A motion to discuss the matter during the meeting initially failed for lack of a second. Commissioners later returned to the issue and moved to place a charge on the next agenda under the commission’s code governing alleged violations; the vote to place the item on the upcoming agenda passed 5‑0.

The City Attorney summarized the process the commission must follow for alleged charter or policy violations, citing the city code provision governing sanctions and quasi‑judicial hearings. “A violation may be brought forward by a city commissioner or charter officer,” the City Attorney said while reading the relevant section; if a majority votes to have the charge heard, a formal hearing is scheduled and the parties have an opportunity to present evidence.

Public speakers urged transparency and documentation before any final action. Elizabeth Chavez said the discussion indicated growing local oversight: “This could be the better future of Deltona,” she told the commission. Other speakers asked for a paper trail showing the purpose of the trip and who approved expenses.

Commissioner Caldwell moved to place the matter on the Feb. 17 agenda as a formal quasi‑judicial hearing; the motion was seconded and passed. At a subsequent vote the commission approved, 4‑1, a suspension of the mayor’s use of the city vehicle and any city funds for travel pending the outcome of the hearing. Commissioners clarified that the suspension would take effect after the mayor returns from current out‑of‑town activity and would remain in place until the Feb. 17 hearing concluded.

City staff and the commission repeatedly emphasized the distinction between a symbolic vote and the formal disciplinary process under the city code: the commission may take a symbolic or “no confidence” vote at the meeting, but any formal sanction or hearing must follow the notice and hearing procedures in the code. The City Attorney told commissioners the sanction process is modeled on quasi‑judicial hearings and includes opportunities for evidence and response by the charged official.

The commission did not take any immediate financial penalty. Several commissioners called for documentary evidence to be placed on the record ahead of the hearing, including receipts, authorization records, and any staff approvals. The City Manager and city staff were asked to assemble documentation for the Feb. 17 meeting. Public comment, including multiple residents, urged the commission to make the documentation available publicly before any final action.

What’s next: The alleged violation will be placed on the Feb. 17 agenda for a formal hearing under the city code. Staff was directed to compile related travel authorization records and expense documentation for commission review and public disclosure ahead of the hearing.","After weeks of debate and public comment about the mayor’s out-of-state travel, the Deltona City Commission voted to place a formal review of the travel on the Feb. 17 agenda and voted to suspend use of the city vehicle pending a quasi‑judicial hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sheriff highlights 2024 accreditation, crime‑clearance gains and falling overdoses; deputy finance director outlines budget schedule

Deltona commission raises firefighter DROP eligibility age to 65 in unanimous vote

Deltona extends zoning‑in‑progress, advances PUD amendments after developer and resident comments

Deltona commissioners vote to place mayor travel dispute on Feb. 17 agenda; suspend city vehicle pending hearing