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Ormond Beach rejects Daytona Beach settlement offer, continues mediation in Avalon Park dispute
Summary
The Ormond Beach City Commission voted to reject Daytona Beach’s settlement proposal in the long-running Avalon Park utility dispute and directed staff to continue mediation; the motion passed 4–1 in a roll-call vote. The item follows litigation over water and sewer service rights and possible infrastructure costs to the city.
The Ormond Beach City Commission voted to reject Daytona Beach’s resolution proposing a settlement in the Avalon Park utility dispute and directed the city to continue mediation.
Deputy City Attorney Anne Margaret Emery told the commission the item concerned pending litigation — Avalon Park Daytona LLC and Avalon Park Daytona Land Holding, LP v. City of Ormond Beach and City of Daytona Beach — and asked for a direction on whether to accept or reject Daytona Beach’s proposed resolution. A motion to reject the resolution and continue mediation was made and seconded, and the city clerk recorded a roll-call vote. Commissioner Tolland voted yes, Commissioner Sargent voted no, Commissioner Deaton voted yes, Commissioner Breyley voted yes, and Mayor Jason Leslie voted yes; the motion carried 4–1.
Why it matters: the dispute concerns utility service rights and possible long-term obligations for Ormond Beach. Public commenters warned of substantial future capital needs — including new water and sewer treatment capacity and infrastructure — if the city assumes extended service responsibilities, and several speakers pressed the commission to weigh litigation risk against potential cash offers to resolve the dispute.
What the commission decided and next steps: by rejecting the Daytona Beach offer the commission left the existing litigation path in place and directed staff to continue mediation. The commission estimated the executive-session discussion would last up to 90 minutes earlier in the evening; no final settlement was adopted at the public meeting.
Voices from the meeting: at public comment, a resident who identified himself as a county councilman thanked city staff for securing a large grant for a separate infrastructure project and pressed the commission to adopt local programs that protect resident access to parks and beaches. Another public commenter urged the commission to reconsider rejecting a cash offer in lieu of prolonged litigation, saying “we're really rolling the dice here,” and cited the city’s legal fees to date.
What remains unresolved: whether the parties will reach a settlement in mediation and the total long-term cost to the city if it retains or expands utility obligations for Avalon Park. The commission did not authorize settlement terms at this meeting, and the case remains active in court and mediation.
