Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Fluoridation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ormond Beach commission approves first reading of ordinance amending water fluoridation code
Summary
The Ormond Beach City Commission voted to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2025-13, which amends the city code section on fluoridation of the municipal water supply. The item drew public health testimony from local residents and split commentary from commissioners before a unanimous first-reading vote.
The Ormond Beach City Commission on March 18 approved the first reading of Ordinance 2025-13, an amendment to section 11-1 (fluoridation of water supply) of the city code, after public comment and discussion.
Supporters and opponents told the commission the decision matters for children’s dental health, cost and local choice. Jerry Valsek, a retired engineer who said he spent decades on municipal water systems, urged the commission to return the matter to voters and to convene an expert advisory panel. “You need to let the voters decide this issue just as they did in 1957,” Valsek said. Amy Valsic, who identified herself as a longtime Ormond Beach resident, said ending fluoridation would particularly harm underserved children and cited a city-cost comparison she said showed a $20 return in dental-cost savings for every dollar spent on fluoridation.
The item had been brought forward as a change to the city’s fluoridation ordinance; the first reading was read by title and then approved on a roll call vote. Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland said she had researched pros and cons and described herself as “fairly neutral,” calling for evidence-based discussion. Commissioner Travis Sargent said he favored removing fluoride from the public water supply and framed his position around individual choice. Commissioner Kristen Deaton also said she would support removal. Mayor Jason Leslie said he would vote with the majority.
Commissioners and several speakers urged additional public engagement. Valsek asked for a public workshop and for the commission to reestablish an advisory task force to review expert evidence. Valsic recommended consulting local dentists, pediatricians and the city’s public works director before final action; she said the city’s annual fluoridation cost was about $14,800 and, citing CDC data referenced in her remarks, argued a larger public savings from continued fluoridation.
After discussion, the commission approved the ordinance on first reading. Because this was a first-reading approval, the ordinance will return for a subsequent hearing before any final code change takes effect.
Action recorded: first reading approval of Ordinance 2025-13 amending section 11-1 on fluoridation of the water supply; roll-call vote recorded.
