Several residents and city employees on Aug. 5 urged the Ormond Beach City Commission to approve the city's proposed budget, arguing higher pay and equipment for first responders and stronger code enforcement are needed to maintain the city's character and safety.

David Bridal, identified himself as a captain in the Ormond Beach Fire Department and president of the firefighters union, described rising call volumes and aging equipment and said the proposed budget would help the department recover lost benefits and fund costly apparatus replacements. "A truck a few years ago brand new cost about $700,000; today that same truck costs about $1,500,000," Bridal said. "We need this increased funding for our department."

Other speakers including Jeff Boyle, Stan Driscoll and Debbie Carter praised the budget's support for first responders and urged the commission not to cut police, fire or code enforcement. Carter and resident Elaine Davis specifically urged more proactive code enforcement to protect property values and the city's "preferred area" status.

Commissioners discussed the tentative millage and the budget's proposed increases for public safety and employee costs. City Manager Troy Shanahan outlined near-term needs and schedules: a budget workshop will be held Aug. 19 and the commission will meet Sept. 3 and Sept. 13. Shanahan noted hurricane-prep activities and described replacement schedules for vehicles and equipment.

Commissioner Kristen Deaton said much of the budget increase supports public safety, listing proposed items including $1 million for 2024 police salary increases previously committed, $1.8 million proposed for collective bargaining across police, fire and general employees, and funds for vehicles and equipment. Deaton said holding the millage flat would require cutting roughly $2.4 million, which would affect public-safety spending.

Commissioners and staff also discussed a planned $200,000 allocation in the proposed budget to expand proactive code enforcement. Multiple commissioners said they want a clear, actionable plan and consultant input before expanding enforcement; staff said a consultant evaluation is planned and a workshop will cover options. "The more proactive you become, the more complaints you're going to get, and you're going to need more personnel," the city attorney noted when staff explained legal and operational implications.

Commissioners praised residents who took part in the Circle K appeal process and reiterated a desire to protect neighborhoods; several said state law (Senate Bill 180) constrains local changes to approval processes. The commission scheduled additional budget discussion at the Aug. 19 workshop.