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Commission adds backup generators and a Public Works facility to 2025 legislative wish list; debate over match and priorities
Summary
Commissioners voted Nov. 20 to add requests for backup generators at lift stations and a Public Works building to Daytona Beach's 2025 state and federal legislative priorities list; members debated likely match requirements and relative priority, ultimately placing generators first and the Public Works building second.
The Daytona Beach City Commission voted Nov. 20 to add two items to its 2025 state and federal legislative priorities: backup generators for lift stations and a Public Works building project that city staff estimated could cost roughly $10 million.
Hardie Smith, the government relations administrator, presented the proposed priorities list and described ongoing topics such as flooding, homelessness and affordable housing. Commissioner Cantu proposed adding requests for 87 backup generators for lift stations and funding for a building addition or new Public Works facility that could enable staff to avoid working in flooded buildings during extreme events.
Commissioners and staff discussed likely match requirements: staff noted typical appropriations processes often expect about a 50% match but that 30% matches have been pursued; Andy Holmes, assistant city manager for infrastructure, said utilities pays about $150,000 annually in rent that could be used toward a 30% match without changing current expenditures, and that solid waste surplus could contribute to additional match.
Hardy Smith warned commissioners the political dynamic in Tallahassee has at times made Daytona Beach requests difficult, but commissioners stressed the need to try. After discussion, the commission agreed to place both items on the priorities list and to rank generators as the first priority and the Public Works building second; the motion, recorded in the transcript as "motion carries 4‑2," advanced the requests for the appropriations process.
Commissioners instructed staff to prepare appropriation forms and to follow up with local legislative delegation and potential sponsors in the House and Senate. Staff emphasized that signing appropriation forms commits the city to any required local match that appears on the application; the commission discussed different match percentages and financing approaches, including using utilities rent as debt-service revenue to support bonding.
