Deltona commission holds quasi‑judicial hearing on mayor’s out‑of‑state travel; motion that he knew and violated policy fails

The Deltona City Commission conducted a lengthy quasi‑judicial hearing into whether Mayor Avila knew about and violated the city’s elected-official travel policy in connection with an out‑of‑state trip. After sworn testimony, ex parte disclosures and public comment, the commission voted but did not reach the supermajority required to find a violation.

Before testimony began, commissioners disclosed ex parte communications, listing dozens of emails, calls and social-media contacts they had received on the matter. The commission then heard sworn testimony, including from Mayor Avila, who told the commission he first read the travel regulations after news reports about the issue and said he “did not know” about the specific policy requirements prior to the trip. The mayor also described his reimbursements practice for mileage and per diem and said staff had not instructed him to seek commission approval for the trip.

Attorney Anthony Sabatini, representing the mayor for the hearing portion, argued the evidence fell far short of the city’s required standard of proof — clear and convincing evidence of knowledge and a willful violation. Sabatini said the mayor had signed routine reimbursement forms but that there was no documentation showing he had specific prior notice of the city’s elected-official travel rules. He noted several commission members likewise gave testimony that they were unfamiliar with the policy’s details.

Members of the public spoke for and against the mayor; some urged sanctions and others said the matter had been politicized. City staff and the city attorney explained the hearing’s rules, including that a finding of guilt under the charter requires a supermajority (five votes).

Commissioner Howington moved to find that the mayor had knowledge of the travel policy before the date of travel and that he violated it; the motion was seconded. By roll call the motion failed, 4–3. City attorneys reminded the commission that any sanction under section 2-381 of the city charter would require a separate finding by an affirmative supermajority of the entire commission. The commission discussed several administrative follow-ups instead: members asked staff to consolidate and update travel policies and asked for a review of all commission policies older than two years so the rules are clear and uniformly accessible.

The mayor acknowledged errors and said he will comply with whatever processes the commission adopts going forward. The commission voted in favor of directing staff to consolidate and present updated travel/tracking policy materials to the commission for review within the timeframe they set.