[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6187275,"mediaKeyId","5071216-2c7f71619cdcfee8d79a4cf27d417fa5","parentId",5071216,"title","Deltona commission approves first reading of temporary moratorium on most new residential development","audioSeconds",3328,"startMs",7242000,"endMs",10570000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5071216-2c7f71619cdcfee8d79a4cf27d417fa5&start=7242&end=10570","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5071216-2c7f71619cdcfee8d79a4cf27d417fa5/thumbnail_7242000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6187275/Deltona/Volusia-County/Florida/Deltona-commission-approves-first-reading-of-temporary-moratorium-on-most-new-residential-development","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187275-679d065d08b1101aa19163a8fc5e1835/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140713&Signature=Dj32ZJcOOtWoG2gAVrlyYuPkjempnovKkGMQr6d2UZdfIsVP0XjrlvaZRp2Xo~3xMKyuFKWyO8uLUhTwOKtI4oWaM1jSXqa~Ty2iSVTANeXt1tkVxkI~5pbY6HWKE60~2wwXK4w7Ra20yrEbLYzdfe7stKRypDEthsT~yZbqw6Ne40TO-2bDXpwsEWY1A4opQrpy0IcWvqt4B~QtMaXOIRzikTza4Hk7xrmihsf9onSz2t6Tiyturckhn9Zg4BHZEasecN-kG~WA0zWZzKelwoEfWJJysR79BFH7T4BU5luw6jgEgpoc-FU7AubB3Fvc4mcyrNq2UnsK8NtYrhL6eQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Deltona, FL","date","2025-06-24T14:55:18Z","article","The Deltona City Commission approved first reading of Ordinance 29‑2025 Monday, enacting a temporary moratorium of up to nine months on new residential development applications, rezonings and certain comprehensive‑plan amendments citywide, with exemptions for specified projects and categories.

City staff and the city attorney framed the moratorium as a pause to allow a city‑wide infrastructure assessment, stormwater capacity review and updates to land‑use policies to align residential growth with roads, utilities and emergency services. The proposed moratorium targets new residential projects but specifically exempts commercial, industrial, office and school projects, projects on city or CRA land, and projects with approved site plans or plats before June 30 (per the ordinance language).

The planning and zoning board met earlier and voted 4‑3 to recommend the ordinance with three refinements: (1) exempt certain infill single‑family development; (2) exempt mixed‑use projects under a low residential density threshold (fewer than six units per acre and less than 30% residential); and (3) automatically sunset the moratorium if state Senate Bill 180 is enacted (staff provided the option as a legal risk mitigation measure). The commission debated those P&Z recommendations and removed the automatic SB 180 sunset language from its motion; the commission also removed mixed‑use from the moratorium scope during floor discussion.

City Attorney guidance reviewed relevant legal authorities, including the Bert J. Harris Property Rights Protection Act and case law on temporary takings. The attorney noted that temporary moratoria shorter than one year are generally not treated as an “inordinate burden” under Bert Harris, which informed the commission’s nine‑month limit.

Public comment was extensive and sharply divided. Several residents urged the moratorium, citing flooding, loss of natural drainage, traffic and the need for better stormwater and land‑use controls. Other speakers, including developers and some business groups, warned the pause could be costly, could invite litigation and could slow planned projects. Some commenters suggested taking the issue to the state or pursuing different remedies.

Commissioners were split. Supporters said the pause was needed to protect public infrastructure and give staff time for detailed studies and code changes; opponents argued the city is already taking steps—stormwater zoning in progress, grant‑funded roadway and drainage projects—and said a moratorium could be unnecessarily disruptive to development and the local economy.

The motion to approve Ordinance 29‑2025 at first reading as amended (P&Z recommendations considered but with SB 180 automatic sunset removed and mixed‑use carved out) passed 4‑3. The ordinance will return for a second reading and final action, at which point the commission may refine exemptions, define infill standards (for example, minimum lot size or maximum units per acre), or adopt other changes before final adoption.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Special City Commission Meeting - June 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The city commission approved first reading of Ordinance 29-2025, a temporary moratorium (up to nine months) on new residential development applications to give staff time to study infrastructure capacity and land‑use changes; the vote was 4-3 after significant public comment and debate.","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},6187279,"Commission approves forensic and compliance audit; directs scope and RFP workshop",994,5926000,6920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5071216-2c7f71619cdcfee8d79a4cf27d417fa5&start=5926&end=6920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5071216-2c7f71619cdcfee8d79a4cf27d417fa5/thumbnail_5926000.jpg","/articles/6187279/Deltona/Volusia-County/Florida/Commission-approves-forensic-and-compliance-audit-directs-scope-and-RFP-workshop","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187279-babc758c34d381951b1badf6a65b2625/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140713&Signature=ZBJZh6RnwPBbj2FfrwiIDVkXZvCAiLw4e-ISR6~dIviapPXkz7vL9WYBk34gTLMr6AH2r5h6IH6bzkG5ufWF7g4hkMjfSbSRJ53YMKWCd0JZ3oeln~3e0-h74~8Jkg64Aq2xof~Ku3RPQXCHIX5YscBsMpTRB8okCQwvtdxU7ecpaCjoHQ3jdNIpTNbbNh7aL4I23JkvEDcax8ek68PrvizDo-G8iJC4d5YIejl6HpnlWz3Iq8jCKHy2Fw8qXkhd91an5oy~-ZMGSuPFda~c3cjeuOSku2vZC3PXMQnJJZRWAxq0gf~R~ng8wzHqwDM1GCWwtOvg5ELeoqbzT5mmkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Deltona City Commission voted 6-1 Monday to pursue a forensic and compliance audit and to begin the process of scoping and procuring the work, following public comment and auditor advice about likely costs and scope.

Commissioner Howington moved to authorize a forensic and compliance audit, asking that the auditors report directly to the commission and have unfettered access to city records; the motion passed after discussion with a 6‑1 vote. Commissioners directed staff to return with a detailed scope and an RFP process; the city attorney advised that the commission must provide specific direction on scope and that several procedural steps (workshop, 30‑day bid posting, evaluation) will be required.

Auditors from Pervis Gray told the commission that the cost of a targeted forensic engagement typically begins around $100,000 for a narrow scope and can escalate based on the breadth of work and number of funds or programs reviewed. Audit partner Tim Westgate advised an alternative: consider hiring an internal auditor position reporting to the commission as a recurring, lower‑cost option for ongoing oversight.

Commissioners discussed whether a state office (the legislature’s audit team or inspector general) might conduct the work more cheaply; the city attorney said state offices can perform audits but would likely bill for the work and may not respond on the commission’s timetable.

City staff told the commission that preparing a suitable RFP will take time and that the actual procurement timeline — including a 30‑day advertisement, evaluation, interviews and contracting — could take several months. The city manager estimated a thorough external audit/forensic work could take up to five months after the scope and procurement steps are complete.

Commissioners asked for a tiered, step‑by‑step approach. The commission approved language directing staff to produce a scope and RFP framework in a workshop to be scheduled in coming weeks and to target procurement and contract execution so field work could begin within a defined period.

Public commenters urged the audit as a means to review prior questionable transactions, water billing and development‑related expenditures; others warned of high cost and asked the commission to carefully define the scope and budget. The commission’s motion did not itself appropriate funds — a subsequent procurement and contract award would return to the commission for approval.","The Deltona City Commission approved a motion directing staff to pursue a forensic and compliance audit with broad access to city records, and instructed staff to convene a workshop to draft audit scope and an RFP for vendor selection.",{"_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},6187285,"Deltona commission lowers departmental spending threshold to $25,000; mixed reactions",1043,8204000,9247000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5071216-2c7f71619cdcfee8d79a4cf27d417fa5&start=8204&end=9247","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5071216-2c7f71619cdcfee8d79a4cf27d417fa5/thumbnail_8204000.jpg","/articles/6187285/Deltona/Volusia-County/Florida/Deltona-commission-lowers-departmental-spending-threshold-to-25000-mixed-reactions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187285-20126de1f941d2053b4008f7ce961102/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140713&Signature=C1ugS5~kJ2dMzb0n~Tjdd-n9SBwISHTPm8BN79Gcy-1QGAqjtr2sqkmt3PghFaneKYEhPKQL2gP-3QNeL~5Rs~BKphbde9j6Z6PCbYs7A5jHzyqf3uE0C9ldL67UjQanCB50Ju0AT2xYujyEQvpQwgMZiDMf9zr3H8MDTB6-gq5EKK42zdA2UUY3z5nLigqnFFT2xv6ZGZbaS0i7niDZIZbJ3iplL7bRHRilmS4r-jjeulSDXenpFZ1tdOgKL3LRb0BQe73206ZWa703klNt8WVFD~B9ZdntKqjjuVNk~omZM6ukiXrmZm4mB6nqDcChZXVz15NxZO72jJIw9NCaLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Deltona City Commission voted 4-3 Monday to amend procurement practice: purchases or contracts exceeding $25,000 by any department must now return to the commission for approval. The change takes effect immediately and staff will formalize it via resolution.

The motion was made by Commissioner Caldwell and seconded by others; it passed after public comment and debate about operational impact and oversight. Supporters cited a long local history of a $25,000 threshold and said the change restores checks and balances. Opponents argued the move will slow routine operations and that comparable cities use higher thresholds — as high as $75,000 to $125,000.

Commissioner Santiago noted that the commission had recently set the threshold at $50,000 and said Deltona’s size aligns with higher thresholds used by peer cities. “Decreasing it to $25,000 is just going to hinder the process of our employees,” she said. Commissioner Howington countered that longstanding local practice supported the lower limit and that the change should remain until commissioners and staff regain a comfort level after recent disputes.

City Manager Doc Dougherty clarified that previously budgeted items would still proceed without repeat approvals, and that this change primarily applies to unbudgeted expenditures.

Public commenters offered mixed views: some residents and local civic leaders urged a return to tighter controls because of past irregularities; others warned the lower threshold could delay projects such as parks and fire station improvements. One commenter noted that earlier procurement policies included exemptions and that staff would need to adjust to the new rule.

The commission directed staff to update the formal purchasing policy and bring the amended resolution back for ratification; the city attorney said staff will prepare the formal document to reflect the commission’s action. The motion passed by a 4‑3 margin.","The Deltona City Commission voted 4-3 to require commission approval for department purchases over $25,000, reversing a prior $50,000 threshold and prompting debate about staff efficiency and checks and balances.",{"_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},6187289,"Deltona audit: external auditors issue clean opinion, note strong fund positions",199,6931000,7130000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5071216-2c7f71619cdcfee8d79a4cf27d417fa5&start=6931&end=7130","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5071216-2c7f71619cdcfee8d79a4cf27d417fa5/thumbnail_6931000.jpg","/articles/6187289/Deltona/Volusia-County/Florida/Deltona-audit-external-auditors-issue-clean-opinion-note-strong-fund-positions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187289-69656a4e3d30e9271f3b2218e4cb50ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140713&Signature=ix877xNBoqKQ2ykQzfhAApt296~mm2JuyiDwCnJQQLRwRpvm8xFjBr4fVH6NMMpIpJEHZNJUvJj0QZnzDFKIRiOsCDczoCnbd2lKzzxF2QArJy0K~yji22iPlwNEUNBEOUnFpAL4gRS5YPwgQOnadDjQYr70r8~RbQuamqYUMq1Jq6iahnzE9zR7kyUO9hqkZ6KHdG2EIP4ivP3HAwkpXU6Vf1Z-4trfKwjXPJ2WcWI-RHA0yZRAT6OnA4rpdkgGJyreAcj6ovphJ25KxeJhbqSsyttXk~2m-vZscinTFaBBPt0qHvr-5hA~~K5D3aeH~nGalIjKP4Ra75JiYK1urQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","External auditors Pervis Gray presented a clean, unmodified audit opinion Monday on the City of Deltona’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024, and highlighted improved pension funding, positive increases in major funds and nearly $30 million in grant awards in the past year.

Tim Westgate, audit partner at Pervis Gray, told the Deltona City Commission that the firm issued an unmodified opinion and did not identify any material weaknesses or findings that would require reporting under Government Auditing Standards. The audit covered financial reporting, compliance with Florida statutes and federal single‑audit requirements for major federal programs, Westgate said.

Westgate cited several financial highlights: fund balances in the city’s major funds increased during the fiscal year; the general fund’s fund balance was reported as $778,000,000 in his presentation; the water and sewer fund maintained strong working capital; and the city’s employee retirement fund increased net position by $7.8 million to a reported funding level of about 86 percent.

Auditors also reported that staff brought forward a number of federal and state grants over the past year, including grants for roadway elevation projects, a $750,000 city hall generator award, and approximately $22 million toward the Fisher Border plan; the city manager said the city had received nearly $30 million and anticipates another $3 million if the state budget is signed.

The auditors recommended a few management improvements: (1) streamline the period‑end and closing routines to shorten the reporting cycle (the 2024 reporting process took longer due to staff turnover and use of outside assistance); (2) implement an IT risk assessment program to address cybersecurity risks and resilience; and (3) finalize documentation on the accounting change standard adopted during the year.

Commissioners asked whether the audit identified discrepancies or signs of book misstatement; Westgate said the auditors found no evidence of altered books and would have reported such matters. Questions about financial distress were put to the auditors; they said the audit did not show deteriorating financial condition or imminent going‑concern concerns. The auditors noted the city participates in the Government Finance Officers Association reporting program and that the city was expected to receive that award again.

Commissioners and staff praised the finance team for cooperation during the audit. Finance Director Robin Hayes and Deputy City Manager John McKinney were named in the presentation for their roles in the process.

The audit will be posted in the city’s formal records. Auditors noted remaining operational recommendations are below the threshold of formal findings but worth management attention.

","External auditors delivered an unmodified (clean) opinion on Deltona’s financial statements for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024, highlighted strong fund balances and recommended process and IT risk improvements.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6187293,"Deltona commission halts no-confidence vote, orders off-site work session on city manager",6384,167000,6551000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5071216-2c7f71619cdcfee8d79a4cf27d417fa5&start=167&end=6551","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5071216-2c7f71619cdcfee8d79a4cf27d417fa5/thumbnail_167000.jpg","/articles/6187293/Deltona/Volusia-County/Florida/Deltona-commission-halts-no-confidence-vote-orders-off-site-work-session-on-city-manager","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187293-8528d00f7b60584c1f0dfc0a0665e2cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140713&Signature=G5Z6T1FHYSUayIFLe9v81SkQvWmrCcgXcah6m~Bx6nstwxFjLOJh39APeYhyK2TcNaEaDNZISEo9a9Ii2~VM0oi2BYzlIFaqDXN~qQepXjdrgQwfV2miPXTod0Tirytta1B7XABhmdzSLVxHyvorRaj2xME7Sc5E7xWqGUd8cUdUpBSfJRCEZwT9~B9l6BvYgsM9aGfYKGzM70QJknfQU4EXtHcEWcZzMvygMVeldCBl~ZK5Rq0fT8Kz7-dccfWAvrDK~AC~~XkI-4FSKd6qDsJPNFr1JM5G~hdYhGl3FeOCG8mXdgUV-gQc9MPQPDUiOTYtySe9~vQO5SwXoW0Wxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Deltona City Commission voted 7-0 Monday to hold an off-site, publicly noticed work session to address commissioner concerns about City Manager Doc Dougherty, deferring a formal vote of no confidence.

The move came after about two hours of discussion on an item listed as a request for a vote of no confidence that had been placed on the agenda by commissioners. Commissioners and dozens of residents spoke for and against Dougherty during the regular meeting at Deltona City Hall.

The commission’s motion, made by Commissioner Nick Lully and seconded by Vice Mayor Harriot, directed the city attorney to coordinate logistics so the work session complies with open‑meeting laws and to finalize details with the city manager. The work session is intended to review performance evaluations and the policy and communications concerns raised by multiple commissioners.

Commissioner Caldwell opened the discussion by describing repeated difficulties obtaining budget and line‑item detail through public records requests and said he believed “money’s being hidden” in projects. Commissioner Howington, a supporter of the no‑confidence item, described “serious concerns” including “poor communication and repeated oversteps of authority” and said a vote of no confidence would be “appropriate and necessary.”

Multiple commissioners recommended a less‑confrontational approach. Commissioner Lully proposed a retreat‑style work session where commissioners could review their performance evaluations and discuss expectations in a less formal setting; he later moved to schedule such a session and the motion carried unanimously. Several commissioners who had expressed concerns said they did not seek termination but rather improved communication and clearer processes.

City Manager Doc Dougherty responded to critics with a summary of his administration’s work: he listed grant awards, upgrades to stormwater projects and a generator grant, staff hires and other initiatives, and told the commission he had accepted performance reviews and would participate in a work session. “I completely understand where everyone has come from tonight,” Dougherty said, and said he wanted to rebuild trust.

Public comment was strongly supportive of Dougherty: multiple city employees, residents and community leaders praised staff morale and the city’s grant success. Other residents urged stronger protections against flooding and better planning controls for development, which some speakers linked to the reason for the commissioners’ concerns.

The motion does not remove the no‑confidence item from future agendas; the city attorney told the commission they may revisit formal actions later if needed. The work session will be scheduled through the city attorney’s office and will be held under Florida’s Sunshine Laws.

The commission then proceeded to other agenda items, including an external audit presentation and votes on procurement and development measures.","After heated debate and public comment, the Deltona City Commission voted to hold a publicly noticed off-site work session to address complaints about City Manager Doc Dougherty rather than immediately voting a formal no-confidence measure.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Deltona commission approves first reading of temporary moratorium on most new residential development

Commission approves forensic and compliance audit; directs scope and RFP workshop

Deltona commission lowers departmental spending threshold to $25,000; mixed reactions

Deltona audit: external auditors issue clean opinion, note strong fund positions

Deltona commission halts no-confidence vote, orders off-site work session on city manager