Speakers at Volusia listening session suggest tax cap, zoning changes, nonpartisan elections and better public notice

At a Volusia County Charter Review Commission listening session, residents proposed a package of potential charter amendments covering public landscaping, property taxes, land‑use change rules, election partisanship and county communications.

Joe Hanosh proposed that county property use native or "Florida‑friendly" landscaping to reduce water use, pesticides and mowing; he also suggested a property‑tax cap of "0 mills" or a limit tying increases to inflation. He said county zoning should not "be picking winners or losers" and recommended clarifying land‑use rules to protect property‑owner expectations. Hanosh also said county elections for the five constitutional officers should be nonpartisan and urged repeal of county prohibitions on beach driving.

Donna Craig referenced specific charter provisions and asked for clearer public notice of legislative procedures. She pointed to "section 202.2" regarding citizens' property rights and urged stronger environmental language, and asked that the charter's legislative procedure indexing ("section 308.1") be better publicized. Craig also asked whether the charter limits reappointment under appointment and removal rules referenced in "Article 10, section 10.31."

During public comment, someone moved to extend the speaker time by three minutes; the transcript records the motion but no second or vote was recorded during the session. County staff member Booker confirmed a public email for input: vccharterreview@volusia.org. The commission did not make or vote on any charter changes at the session; Watts said staff will compile submitted suggestions for commissioners to review at future meetings.