Volusia County Council adopts $1.419 billion budget, approves millage rates after heated debate on CRAs and constitutional budgets

The Volusia County Council voted 7–0 on Sept. 16 to adopt the fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget of $1,419,238,478 and a set of millage rates that together raise the county’s aggregate levy 2.83% above rollback. The council also approved non‑operating budget items totaling $331,458,198.

The action followed a staff presentation and a statutorily required second TRIM hearing. Ryan Osofsky, the county chief financial officer, told the council the proposed general‑fund operating millage of 3.2007 mills is 5.06% above the rollback rate of 3.0464 mills; he detailed an expected $5.3 million reduction in state revenue sharing, $1.8 million lower constitutional‑office excess fees and the use of roughly $19.7 million in prior‑year reserves and $10.9 million in one‑time transfers to balance the budget.

“Part of why we’re…