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

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.