DeBary council advances plan for a land‑bank referendum, seeks workshop and public input

The DeBary City Council discussed a proposed Land Bank program to manage city‑owned and targeted parcels for preservation, conservation and limited redevelopment. Growth Management Director Stephen Bap said the city has acquired roughly 229 acres for about $4,711,500 and proposed program funding options including a dedicated ad valorem millage (proposed range 0.2–0.5 mills), a flat fee alternative or other grant sources.

Bap told the council the land bank is envisioned as an umbrella program with three primary uses: preservation (passive parks or low‑impact uses), conservation (using conservation easements to manage stormwater or protect habitat), and redevelopment (acquiring neglected or abandoned properties and reselling at market value for projects aligned with the city's vision). Staff recommended further refinement in workshops in early 2026, a public kickoff in January 2026, submission to the Supervisors of Elections in June 2026, and placement on the Nov. 3, 2026 referendum ballot; if approved, staff proposed beginning the program in January 2027 with an evaluation by January 2030.

Council members discussed term length (4, 8 or 12 years), whether the program should have legislative rollover versus a revote requirement, and the public naming of the program (several members preferred the neutral name "DeBary Land Bank" rather than using "Forever"). The council asked staff to develop funding scenarios showing how millage levels would accumulate over 4, 8 and 12 years and to schedule a well‑advertised workshop with public participation in January or February 2026. No formal motion was required; council provided guidance to proceed with outreach and additional analysis.