Commission creates Ordinance Review Committee, adds 12-month sunset and consultant funding plan

The Deltona City Commission voted 4-3 to activate an Ordinance Review Committee by approving Resolution 2025-51 with an amendment adding an automatic 12-month sunset. The resolution establishes a seven-member review committee—each commissioner will appoint one member—and calls for the city manager to contract with a consultant to assist the committee in systematically reviewing and recommending changes to the city’s code of ordinances.

Commissioners who supported the resolution said a temporary, focused committee would help update outdated ordinances, increase transparency and reduce recurring problems (for example, the commission earlier discussed a noise ordinance update). Vice Mayor Herriot and others said hiring a consultant is necessary because city staff and the city attorney’s office are at capacity and an outside firm can provide dedicated research and draft language.

Commissioners who opposed creation of the committee warned it could slow the pace of ordinance work, duplicate staff duties and add cost. The motion that passed specified that the committee would automatically dissolve 12 months after October 1, 2025 unless the commission adopts a resolution to extend it. Staff said there is currently no specific budget allocation for the consultant but that funding could be identified during midyear or next fiscal year budgeting and the manager will return with a budget amendment as needed.

The resolution directs the manager to advertise appointments consistent with the code, to hire a consultant to guide the review, and to return draft ordinance changes to the commission for consideration. The vote was 4 in favor, 3 opposed.