DeBary council adopts 3.65 millage rate and final 2025–26 budget; discusses interlocal HB 479 and procurement thresholds

The City of DeBary City Council on Sept. 16 approved a final ad valorem millage rate of 3.65 and adopted the city’s final operating budget for fiscal year 2025–26, after presentations from city staff and brief council discussion.

City Manager Carmen (last name not specified in transcript) told council the 3.65-mill rate represents a roughly $52 annual increase (about $4 a month) for a home with a taxable value of $199,000 and is 10.82% above the computed rollback rate of 3.2935. The manager said the city’s proposal reflects revenue updates and adjustments since the tentative budget, including new estimates for communications services tax and local option gas tax revenue. The manager recommended the final millage and budget, citing higher personnel costs (a proposed 3% increase), legal and public‑safety contract cost increases, Alexander Island start‑up costs, and capital needs including a deposit for a fire truck.

The council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2025‑15 setting the final millage rate at 3.65 (motion by Mayor Chazet; second by Council Member Papalardo; roll call: Vice Mayor Butland yes, Papalardo yes, Sells yes, Stevenson yes, Mayor Chazet yes). The council then unanimously adopted Resolution 2025‑16 adopting the final annual operating budget for fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2025 and ending Sept. 30, 2026 (motion by Vice Mayor Butland; second by Council Member Papalardo; unanimous roll call).

Why it mattered: City staff said DeBary remains one of the lowest‑taxed communities in West Volusia and emphasized that public safety contracts — notably the sheriff’s contract, which…