DeBary adopts framework to accept HUD-funded buyout properties on case-by-case basis

The DeBary City Council unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to negotiate and enter agreements with Volusia County to accept title to properties acquired through the HUD Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) homeowner buyout pathway.

The resolution, read aloud by the city attorney, says the county received HUD funding after Hurricane Milton and established a buyout program that can purchase flood-affected single-family properties. The city attorney explained the legal limitations: once a municipality accepts title to a bought-out property, the city must maintain it in perpetuity and cannot build structures on it; allowed uses are limited to conservation or stormwater enhancement. "Once you acquire that property, you can't build any structures," the city attorney said while reading the resolution.

City staff emphasized the acceptance process is voluntary and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The resolution permits DeBary residents to apply to Volusia County for the buyout program and ensures the city will have a process to determine whether to accept transferred titles. No public comments were made on the resolution.

Council members voiced general support, citing relief for homeowners with repetitive flooding. Council member Stevenson said the city retaining the option to decide "and have the final say" was important, and Vice Mayor Butland noted the program's funding allocations discussed by staff: $133 million in HUD funding for the county recovery program, with $100 million proposed for infrastructure and $20 million allocated for buyouts. The council passed Resolution No. 2025-18 by unanimous vote.